Serbian Nationalism in Kolo (Dance and Music) with Focus on Swiss Diaspora

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2023 , 33 Pages , Grade: 5.5

Ethnology / Cultural Anthropology

Radovanović appeared on stage in a white, medieval robe, the beautiful voice of the young singer rang through the entire Stadthalle and the audience became highly emotional. The audience cheers, whispers the lyrics or sings along. A lot of women take their smartphones and record the concert. Some people raise their arms in the air or put their hands on their chest. No wonder! For the singer chose songs for her audience that reminded them of the "fatherland" Serbia and of times gone by - excitingly, of the times before the fusion of the Slavic peoples in the Balkans, i.e. the Kingdom of Serbia, of the time of the disintegration of Yugoslavia, as well as of the war in 1990s: specifically the "Kosovo war".

The young singer sang her songs heartfully and a strong voice – she must have had singing lessons from a very young age, as for her loud and full mezzosoprano, one should have a technic of a professional. The audience could clearly hear the singer's pride in her own performance. The audience applauded and cheered the young singer. In the euphoria that hovered in the air, the audience waited for the next song. But the singer had something else in mind. To put it briefly: to criticise. After introducing herself, she began her speech: "I am proud to be here with you and to preserve Serbian culture - I also do that at home in Orahovac. My homeland, my culture and thus my identity are very important to me and I do everything in my power to preserve them. With my actions, I do not give my Kosovo into the hands of others, because Kosovo is Serbia.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• "GDE STE TU VI, BRAĆO I SESTRE?"
• SMOTRA, KOLO AND DIASPORA.
• SMOTRA
• History of origins
• What does happen at smotra? An Overview of my own experience.
• KOLO (DANCE AND MUSIC)
• Definition
• Music of the kolo
• History, development and significance
• Kolo as a kind of theater.
• Creating a choreography - storytelling without stage-directions.
• NATIONALISM, SERBIANISM AND PURITY.
• GENERAL DEFINITION(S) OF NATIONALISM'
• "SERBIAN-NESS" - SERBIAN NATIONALISM
• Ideology of Serbian Nationalism'
• Purity of Serbian nationalism: Serbian Orthodoxy.
• KOLO, NATIONALISM AND RELIGION.
• KOLO, NATIONALISM AND DIASPORA
• PATRIOTS LIVE IN DIASPORAS.
• "ŽIVELA SRBIJA!"

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay examines the role of traditional Serbian folk dance and music, particularly the "kolo," in constructing and expressing Serbian nationalism, with a focus on the Swiss diaspora. It explores the historical context, cultural significance, and ideological underpinnings of the "kolo" as a vehicle for national identity.

• The significance of "kolo" in Serbian culture and national identity
• The role of "kolo" in expressing Serbian nationalism in the diaspora
• The relationship between "kolo," Serbian nationalism, and religion
• The role of music and performance in constructing cultural narratives
• The impact of historical events, such as the disintegration of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo War, on Serbian national identity

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• "GDE STE TU VI, BRAĆO I SESTRE?"

This chapter explores the experience of attending a "smotra" (festival) of Serbian folklore in Switzerland, focusing on a performance by a young Serbian singer from Kosovo. The singer's choice of songs, her emotional delivery, and her speech about preserving Serbian culture highlight the connection between music, nationalism, and diaspora identity.

• SMOTRA, KOLO AND DIASPORA.
• SMOTRA

This section delves into the history and context of "smotra" festivals, exploring their significance in preserving Serbian traditions and fostering a sense of community among diasporic Serbs.

• KOLO (DANCE AND MUSIC)

This section provides a definition of the "kolo" dance and explores its musical characteristics, historical development, and cultural significance. It also examines how "kolo" functions as a form of theatrical performance, with choreographies that tell stories without the need for explicit stage directions.

• NATIONALISM, SERBIANISM AND PURITY.
• GENERAL DEFINITION(S) OF NATIONALISM'

This section offers a general definition of nationalism and explores the complexities and nuances of this concept. It emphasizes the connection between nationalism and cultural identity, particularly within diasporic communities.

• "SERBIAN-NESS" - SERBIAN NATIONALISM

This section focuses on the specific characteristics and ideologies of Serbian nationalism. It examines the role of religion, particularly Serbian Orthodoxy, in shaping Serbian national identity.

• KOLO, NATIONALISM AND RELIGION.

This section investigates the interplay between "kolo," Serbian nationalism, and religion. It explores how the dance and music serve as vehicles for religious expression and contribute to the construction of a shared Serbian cultural heritage.

• KOLO, NATIONALISM AND DIASPORA
• PATRIOTS LIVE IN DIASPORAS.

This section examines the role of diasporic communities in sustaining Serbian national identity. It focuses on the ways in which "kolo" serves as a bridge between generations and fosters a sense of belonging among Serbs living abroad.

• "ŽIVELA SRBIJA!"

This section explores the ways in which "kolo" performances and the accompanying music contribute to the expression of patriotic sentiment among diasporic Serbs. It highlights the role of music and dance in creating a sense of solidarity and reaffirming national pride.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay explores the intersection of Serbian nationalism, traditional folk dance and music (particularly the "kolo"), diaspora identity, and the role of religious and cultural practices in shaping national narratives. It examines the historical development and contemporary significance of "smotra" festivals in Switzerland, the cultural importance of the "kolo" in Serbian tradition, and the ways in which music and performance contribute to the construction and expression of national identity, particularly within diasporic communities. Key themes include the impact of historical events such as the disintegration of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo War on Serbian national identity, the significance of the "kolo" as a vehicle for religious expression and cultural preservation, and the role of music and dance in fostering a sense of community and belonging among diasporic Serbs.

• College: University of Luzern (Ethnologisches Seminar)
• Grade: 5.5
• Author: Miro Ilic (Author)
• Publication Year: 2023
• Pages: 33
• Catalog Number: V1373164
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346908056
• ISBN (Book): 9783346908063
• Language: English
• Tags: Nationalismus, Nationalism, Serbia, Serbien, Kolo, Folklore, Musik, Tanz, Volkstanz, Ethnologie, Ethnomusikologie, Ethnomusicology, Essay