Zagreb, Let's Twist Again Like We Did past Summers!
Dancing has always represented the human activity that has been an integral part of life. Throughout history, it was often part of the general rules of good conduct in order to gradually become a recreation or a professional sport. Regardless of whether you are a professional or not, whether you have or don't have rhythm or fitness, any form of dancing is good for mental and physical health. It strengthens muscles, relaxes the body, mind and is "forcing" you to socialise with people. Dance also prolongs life, makes you happier, and generally fitter.
Image credit: Marko Vrdoljak, Zagreb Tourist Board
There are hundreds of different kinds of dances. Social dances are generally thought to be those in which people dance in pairs. From history, we know that the beginnings of social dance in Europe go back hundreds of years when the dance was a matter of social prestige, reputation and status in society. In the early 20th century, as a centre from which the dance cultures are mostly grown and evolved was London where the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing was founded in 1904. In 1909, the world's first dance championship took place in Paris. During the 30's International Organisation of Amateur Dance Couples or today known as IDSF (International Dance Sport Federation) was also established. In 1950 was founded the first professional international organisation World Dance Council (WDC).
In Croatia, the origins of the dance are recorded in the period between the two world wars in the Zagreb dance school "Coronelli" founded by Pietro Coronelli. During this period, dances were an essential part of social life in Zagreb, especially later in the 70's and 80's. Special contribution to the development of dance culture in Croatia during this period was given by Hungarian Cultural Association in Croatia. After the dissolution of Yugoslavia, many dance schools in Croatia continue this tradition, and thanks to a group of enthusiasts Croatian Dance Sport Association was established in 1992 as well as Croatian Association of Dance Trainers and Referees.
Zagreb used to have dozens of dance nights throughout the week. The specificity was that those nights used to end really early, compared to today's' nightlife. Of course, it was connected probably with the traffic back home and good behaviour. In Zagreb, there are around fifty courses for dance and dance schools, and even 5000 amateurs dance regularly, whether in schools or dance centres.
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These days some of the popular places for dancing are Buena Vista (Sava Street 120) which holds ''Back to swing nights''. BACK TO SWING organises dance nights every Thursday all over the city. They are going back to the 30's when the swing was hype and big bands played jazz. The thirties are now deep retro but this dance in the 80's and the 90's had a new role and began to spread to the Americas and Europe. Four years ago, this Lindy Hop renaissance spread to Zagreb thanks to this dance association. ''Back to Swing Zagreb'' continues to hold courses and workshops for swing dances and organises dance nights. Hostel Caffe time (Schlosserove steps 2) releases ''Jump'n'swing'' every Tuesday and Vinyl (on Bogovićeva Street) releases ''Back to Swing'' every other Sunday. Others like Rhino's, TomTom, Coffee Tray, City Café Johann Franck, The rhythm of the city, Pivana in Ilica and couple more of them are holding those kinds of a night occasionally. Since it is summer, and there aren't so many activities like in colder days, Bikers beer factory (Sava Street 150) currently conducts ''Rockabilly Night'' where you can come to dance, or even dress accordingly. After you finish the "official" part, what follows is, of course, socialising, drinking a beer or two.
Association of Dancers „CAGER" organises dance nights. It's a unique opportunity in Zagreb to dance on eternal evergreen dance tunes from the 60's, 70's, 80's every Saturday from 6:30 pm - 10:45 pm, on Grada Vukovara Street 271 in Chromos Tower. Also, you can find dances on top of the castle on Stross and cool Vintage industrial bar on Sava Street 160 occasionally follows those nights with bands performances. So, all you need really is to track down those clubs on social networks and catch your free time. There are of course many dance nights and courses organised by dance schools.
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Another club "Generation + 40" organises the same dance evenings. At first, it was for a little bit older people who share the same taste in music and memories of their youth and are single or divorced. Now it is open for everyone because they found out that everyone needs fun. They want to abolish loneliness – a very common modern ''illness''. Membership is variable but there are about 150-200 people coming to dance regularly. They have compiled a list of many events that they organise. Those that are connected with a dance are on dance nights on Fridays, from 8 pm-2 am, at "Boogaloo" on Grada Vukovara Street 68 and on Sundays, at 7 pm, a club and yard in Ilica Street 75 where they play and sing. You can find them on a Facebook page or their website, and join them anytime. I will once again stress their main motto - just come and don't be lonely.
Dance wherever you can. In the cafes, on the street, in clubs to different music and dance styles. Also, dance with everyone. Especially with people who you do not know or those that you know are taught in another school. Acquire security at the public appearance, and gain more self-confidence, understanding and tolerance. Dance in the open, in a jazz bar, on the rockabilly gig and the swing dance night, and let yourself feel all the diversity of the dance. Dance is now a way to have a good time, and by doing so you develop the soul, mind and body. With good music, good company and lots of laughter all becomes possible.
Header image credit: Pixabay
Author: Josipa Zizic