The northern beaches of Sydney hold rich Serbian culture and tradition. Nada Stanojlović, who had been involved in folklore for years under the mentorship of the famous Gary Dawson, talks about her community, Serbian culture and dance.

– My role is vice president and treasurer of the St Sava Warriewood/Mona Vale School and Folklore Committee. By the way, this is the first Serbian Orthodox church in Australia, founded in 1949 in Warriewood. Our priest is Father Saša Radoičić, the president is Zoran Čučak, and together with the school and folklore president, Đorđe Dumić, we are dedicated to our church and community. We have a deep connection with the local community and we want to pay tribute to the hard work of our families and community invested in our parish, wishing it to continue for many future generations – says Nada Stanojlović.

The folklore groups were founded many years ago and all, from the oldest to the youngest, bear traditional Serbian names, Sveti Sava, Nikola Tesla, Šumadija, Avala 2 and Avala 1. There are more than 130 dancers in these groups which continue to grow. Traditional dances are performed, dances from Central Serbia, dances from Crna Trava and gluvo kolo. When possible, folk costumes are procured from Serbia and the surrounding area.

Funds are raised through various activities, such as dances, the Taste of Serbia at the Serbian Festival in Sydney each year and other local events on the northern beaches.

Show in Ingleside

A big show for our folklore groups is organized on 16 September 2023 at 5 Wilson Avenue, Ingleside from 18:00. The guests are folklore groups from Sydney and Wollongong, who will present their dances.

Source: Vesti online

Photo: Personal archive