This ancient
ritual dance dates from the five century long domination of the Balkans by the Ottoman
Empire. In many areas, the Turkish overlords forbade dancing in order to break down the
strong native culture. The defiant peasants retreated to the mountains and danced in
silence, accompanied only by the jingle of the coins and the pounding of the dancers’
feet. This dance from Glamoč is a courtship ritual to test the health, stamina and
endurance of the women. It begins with this song:
Moj dragane, tvoje oči mile
Iznicala nica trava
Širi ruke moj dragane
Tvoja sam, tvoja sam
|
|
My beloved, in your loving eyes
Is my rebirth (springs the new grass)
Open your arms wide, my beloved
I am yours, I am yours
|
|
