Choreographer Xhemali Berisha documents traditional men's dances of Opoja

Choreographer Xhemali Berisha documented the unique cycle of 11 traditional men's dances from Opoja, a region in Kosovo.

Berisha, who published a book on these dances, describes the cycle as a rare cultural heritage that preserves the history and identity of the local people. He explains that the dances are not individual pieces but a linked whole that must be performed in a specific order, lasting between 40 to 45 minutes.

The choreographer notes that the dances possess a dramatic character influenced by the history of the region, including the emotional impact of migration and nostalgia for home. He explains that the dancers express these emotions through their body movements rather than facial expressions. Historically, these dances were performed in a specific space called Tonda, where the audience sat around the dancers to create an amphitheater-like atmosphere.

Berisha observes that while the core movements of the dances have remained consistent, the behavior of the performers has changed since 2010. He argues that modern dancers often show more freedom in their expressions, which can dilute the authenticity of the tradition. He calls for institutional support to research, record, and protect these dances as cultural heritage to ensure they survive for future generations.