Preparing to drink

In the Dalmatian hinterland, the southernmost inland portion of Croatia, the Nijemo Kolo is a traditional dance performed at village festivals, weddings, carnivals and other special events. When couples dance, the movements are more spontaneous, with male dancers taking turns leading their partners to the middle of the circle—as a way of both testing and showing off their female partners’ skills. Circles may be loosely or tightly formed, and the dance steps may be simple or more complex and athletic, depending on the occasion and the composition and mood of the group. After the dance, there is time for a beverage.