NEUT Plesni kolektiv, Jana Milenković, Đorđe Živadinović, Jovana Stojković, Isidora Popović, Simonida Žarković: Kolo (2022)

NEUT dance collective is one of the latest contemporary dance groups initiated in Belgrade, and established by a younger generation of choreographers and dancers from the independent dance scene (Jana Milenković, Jovana Stojić, Đorđe Živadinović Grgur, Isidora Popović and Simonida Žarković). The group was self-initiated during the educational program Puzzle organized by Station – Service for Contemporary Dance. The collective is focused on exploring new forms of expression through movement, often incorporating elements of multimedia, visual arts, and experimental soundscapes into their performances. The collective's work is characterized by its emphasis on collaboration, both within the group and with artists from other disciplines. NEUT's performances often challenge traditional notions of dance, blending physicality with conceptual ideas to create thought-provoking pieces that engage with current social, political, and cultural issues.. Their performances are typically presented in alternative venues, reflecting their commitment to pushing the boundaries of where and how dance can be experienced. Their very first production called Kolo (the Round), blended elements of folklore dance and contemporary dance concepts, expressions and movement. The authors focused on re-examining contemporary manifestations of togetherness, with an emphasis on the physical aspects of its expression through dance practice. They investigated the possibility and impossibility of establishing contact in a time of changes based on digital technologies, which were catalyzed by the 'new reality' brought on by the pandemic. In this work, the central element of attention was the traditional dance 'kolo.' Although other dance techniques also utilize physical contact, authors treated 'kolo' as an established cultural pattern that shapes the experience of shared moments in gathering situations. The constant physical contact of the group, the simplicity of movement, and the emphasis on joint activity formed the foundation upon which we developed our material.