Călușul
The ”Căluș” dance is a living symbol of Romanian culture. This traditional Romanian dance is declared by UNESCO a masterpiece of the Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The dance "Călușul" is practiced in the week before Pentecost, having a healing purpose, but we will also see that it is practiced both at weddings and baptisms, in order to chase away the evil spirits from the house and protect children from the evil eye. As a practitioner of this dance, Ion Calotă, wishes for the youth to join him and pass on the tradition of this dance. He also urges the elderly to dance, have fun and stay active, because practicing this dance rejuvenates him and makes him happy.
N. OF VIDEOS: 3 | PARTNER: GERON | COUNTRY: ROMANIA | ELEMENT OF EUROPEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE: CĂLUȘUL
Tradition of the ”cãluș” dance
Ion Calotă tells us about the small activities carried out in rural areas by elderly people. These activities helped them stay active, but it also brought them fame. Most of them became known after practicing this dance. He also tells us about his passion for this type of traditional dance and about the reason why he dedicated himself to the learning and practicing.
INTERVIEWEE NAME: Ion Calota
AGE: 65 YEARS OLD
ROLE: RETIRED, DANCER
ACTIVE AGING FACTORS: Social connectedness, Physical activity
”Călușul” – Healing dance
Why is the “Căluș” dance a healing dance? In our tradition it is said that practicing this dance not only prevents the negative action done by the evil spirits named ”iele”, but, also, can heal those affected by them. With the appearance of beautiful young girls, they come out on the night of Pentecost, punishing those who worked on that holiday, luring them, by calling their names. They let themselves be watched as they sing and dance uncovered leaving the men sick, disfigured and mad. Performing the ”Călușari” dance to those affected by ”iele” can heal them.
INTERVIEWEE NAME: Ion Calota
AGE: 65 YEARS OLD
ROLE: RETIRED, DANCER
ACTIVE AGING FACTORS: Positive thinking, Social connectedness, Physical activity
