Original scientific paper

Fifty Years of Remembering: Blato’s Kumpanjija in Sydney, Australia

Jeanette Mollenhauer orcid.org/0000-0001-5140-6789 ; Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney

Abstract

The kumpanjija, or chain sword dance, of Blato, Croatia, is also danced each April in Sydney, Australia. This paper explores the perpetuation of the kumpanjija in Sydney since 1965, culminating in the fiftieth anniversary performance in 2015. Based on data from ethnographic fieldwork, the paper provides an ethnochoreological analysis of this event and illustrates how the performance fosters experiences of bonding, embodies nostalgic sentiment and provides community focus. The relationship between the dance as performed currently in Blato, and the performance troupe in Sydney is also explored. This event demonstrates the significance of the annual event for this section of the Croatian immigrant community in Sydney.

Keywords

kumpanjija; ethnochoreology; performance; nostalgia; community

Hrčak ID:

154454

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/154454

Publication date:

22.3.2016.

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