Folk Dance in Southeastern Europe: Folklore and Politics

Abstract

This article examines the significance of folk dance in Southeastern Europe, particularly its cultural, social, and political aspects. Folk dances such as round dances and chain dances are deeply rooted in the region's traditions and serve as a defining force for identity. They have been preserved through historical influences such as Ottoman rule and are now part of UNESCO's definition of intangible cultural heritage. Dances such as the Bulgarian choro, the Serbian kolo, or the Greek syrtos are practiced both at public events and privately.

In the 20^th century, folk dances in socialist countries were politically exploited to promote national unity and socialist ideals. State-sponsored dance ensembles such as "Kolo" in Serbia or "Lado" in Croatia presented this culture worldwide. At the same time, movements such as the Hungarian "Dance House" movement emerged, which saw itself as a counterpoint to state-controlled folklore and sought to preserve authentic traditions. This movement developed into a cultural subculture and provided space for free artistic and political expression.

This article shows how folk dances were used not only for recreational purposes, but also as a political tool and an expression of national identity. Today, they are an important part of cultural preservation, serving both as entertainment and as a means of preserving cultural traditions.