A kolo can have any number of dancers β from just a few people to a huge circle of hundreds. The circle moves together, stepping left, stepping right, stamping feet and swaying. What makes kolo special is that everyone participates β young children, grandparents, beginners and experts all dance together. There is no audience and no stage; the whole community joins in.
Different regions of Montenegro have their own versions of kolo, each with slightly different steps, rhythms and costumes. Some kolos are gentle and flowing; others are energetic and stomping, with dancers letting out shouts and whoops of joy. The music is usually played on traditional instruments β flutes, drums and brass instruments β and gets faster and faster as the dance goes on.
Learning kolo is a natural part of growing up in Montenegro. Children learn by watching older family members and then joining in at the edge of the circle. UNESCO has recognised the kolo as an important part of intangible cultural heritage in the region β a tradition that connects communities and brings generations together through shared movement.