Kolo
A South Slavic and Balkan round dance, often accompanied by singing.
What it means
Kolo is the Serbo-Croatian name for a round dance in which dancers join hands in a circle or open chain and perform shared step patterns. The word literally means "wheel", describing the circular formation.
Musical use
Kolo dances are widespread in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and much of the Balkans, accompanied by brass bands, string instruments such as the gusle, or singing alone. Odd metres such as 7/8 or 9/8, divided irregularly, are common and give the dance its characteristic hopping pulse. Related round dances from other Slavic regions, such as the Bulgarian horo or the Romanian hora, share this metrical feel and circular form but differ in melody and regional footwork.
Performance practice
When listening to or accompanying a kolo, follow the grouping of the beat — count the quavers in small groups of two and three rather than evenly, and the dancing pulse becomes clear on its own.