Calusul

possibly the fastest folk dance in the world

Calusul was included on the list of UNESCO Masterpieces of the Oral and

Intangible Heritages of Humanity in 2005. This dance represents a horse divinity who is the protector of the

warm season as well as of the horses. Its origins go back in the Roman

Empire in the Pre-Christian era. Out of all the ex roman territories, it is

only in Romania that it is still danced today.

Calusul is danced by a group of men named “calusari” who are excellent

dancers and who are chosen by the chief of the group, called “vataf”. Those who dance are initiated according to an old secret ritual that is well kept through

generations. They make an oath that they will be part of this group for a limited

period of time: 3, 7 or 9 years.

In everything they do, calusarii want to resemble the horses: they wear spurs at their feet, bells at their waist, a harness on their chest and they imitate during the dance the gallop, the plod and the whining of horses.

The dance of Calusul contains magical formulas, ritual dances and acts, among

which we can mention the dance with children (the dancers hold them in their

arms or put them on the ground and jump over them so that they will chase away the diseases, especially fever). They say that this dance protects people, animals and

crops from the evil forces.

The attire of “calusarii” is a traditional attire of the respective area of our country, to which they add specific elements as: sticks, hat ribbons, a club

(which is the oldest tool and weapon of man). The white of the attire makes the red of some elements (ribbons, waist bands) even more visible.

The red colour is traditionally used as an antidote against

spells.

The ceremonial included dances and rituals performed by men organized in a hierarchy : the Mute, the Chief (“Vataf”), the Flag Holder, and the “calusari” (dancers). It is the most spectacular Romanian folk dance and they say its

moves are the fastest in the world.

Calusul mixes old Pre-Christian beliefs and symbols like the horse deity which is symbolized by a mask the Mute wears, effigies, the flag of the Calus,

totems, the knocking of the Calus, the magical transfer of the divine fertility to animals and crops.

Children performing Calusul

The group of young men in Baneasa area performing Calusul.

On youtube.com one can find videos of this beautiful dance as well as

commentaries in English, Italian and Romanian about the complexity, the fastness and the beauty of Calusul.

Presentation

• Made by Andreea, Denisa and Madalina Baneasa, Romania