WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE OF
SERBIAN FOLKLORE CANBERRA
We are an adult community folk dancing group based in Canberra, Australia, that seeks to explore the culture and tradition of folkloric dances from the south-eastern European country of Serbia.
What is Serbian Folk Dancing?
Serbian folk dancing – or folklore – is a rich dancing tradition from the south-eastern European country of Serbia that is characterised by intricate footwork, vibrant costumes and the signature kolo, or circle formation, that forms the basis of most dances in Serbia. Men and women hold hands (or belts) and dance rhythmic steps to lively music and songs, each of which tell part of the story of Serbia – as it was centuries ago, and as it still is today.
From the south to the west, the north to the east, the folk dances of Serbia are as varied as they are numerous. The steps and dancing styles change from region to region – and even town to town – as each incorporates and reflects regional specificities, geographical features, and complex historical events and influences.
Whether it’s the Ottoman or Austro-Hungarian Empires, historical trade routes that linked into the silk road and spice trade, the presence of great rivers such as the Danube and the Morava, or rich agricultural practices such as harvesting corn, raspberries or sunflowers, all of these aspects make up the Serbian nation and find themselves reflected in the hundreds of folk dances that Serbia’s peoples have danced for centuries.
From the fast-paced dances of the Vlach population near Romania, the soulful dances of Kosovo that evoke the region’s ever-turbulent history, the playful, cheeky dances of the northern region of Vojvodina, or the intricate, stirring dances of Šumadija in the heart of the country, Serbia’s folk dancing tradition has many stories to tell.
Serbian folk dancing forms an integral part of the Serbian identity and is as popular today as it has ever been, with thousands of groups in Serbia and around the world continuing to explore and celebrate folklore in its many forms. Go to any Serb’s wedding, christening, birthday or weekend barbecue and odds are that you will find yourself dancing kolo until the early hours of the morning – and wake up hungry for even more!
ABOUT US + HOW TO JOIN
At SFC, we aim to explore the full breadth of folk dances from Serbia and wherever the Serbian people live in an effort to learn, celebrate and preserve the beauty of Serbian cultural heritage here, in faraway Australia.
We welcome all people in Canberra who would like to join us in our folk dancing journey – whether you have a Serbian heritage or are just keen to learn something new and cool, meet new people, improve your fitness or have some fun!
To enquire about joining, please fill out the form, hit Submit and we will be in touch.
*Membership in SFC is open to anyone, including those under the age of 18 with parental consent. If you’re looking for Serbian folk dancing lessons for children, please look up Canberra’s youth Serbian folk dancing group, Folkloric Ensemble Sveti Sava (FESS) or get in touch with us and we will connect you with FESS.
*Dancing terms follow ACT school terms. Practices are held at the St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 57-59 Lambrigg St, Farrer ACT, unless otherwise notified. Membership fees are payable to help cover the cost of costumes, dance studio and hall rental, and fund our community initiatives.
*Serbian Folklore Canberra Incorporated is an association incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT), association number A0069.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS + COPYRIGHT
Serbian Folklore Canberra Incorporated acknowledges the traditional custodians of all the lands upon which it dances, and thanks the Ngunnawal people in particular, whose traditional homeland hosts SFC’s home here in Australia. SFC would like to thank the Ngunnawal people and all other First Nations peoples in present-day Australia for caring for these beautiful lands for so many thousands of years, and for preserving their history, identity and culture in a way that inspires members of other cultures – such as ourselves – to do the same.
Serbian Folklore Canberra Incorporated acknowledges and thanks the ACT Government for helping it create this website through grant funding under the Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program 2021-22.
All content on this website (including without limitation text and images) is copyright of Serbian Folklore Canberra Incorporated unless otherwise indicated. No part of this website may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Serbian Folklore Canberra Incorporated. All rights are reserved.