Selena Rakočević’s Contributions to Southeastern Europe Dance and Music Studies

Abstract

Selena Rakočević was a distinguished scholar of ethnomusicology and ethnochoreology, with a focus on traditional music and dance in Southeastern Europe, especially Serbia. Her extensive research has advanced understanding of the cultural practices and traditions of the region. Rakočević has conducted fieldwork in various parts of Southeastern Europe, including Vojvodina and Banat. Her research has included investigations into the mortuary ritual in the village of Sviniţa, dance movements in Southeastern Banat, and the musical practices of the Banat Bulgarians. In addition to her fieldwork, Rakočević has contributed to the field of ethnomusicology through her writing. This paper discusses Rakočević’s literature to reveal her contributions to the region of Southeastern Europe based on her ethnographic, practical, and theoretical knowledge of ethnochoreology and ethnomusicology. Her studies can be categorized under five topics: recent studies in ethnochoreology and ethnomusicology, the ethnochoreological and ethnomusicological approaches of SFRY, fieldwork studies in a theoretical framework, her fieldwork executed especially in the regions of Vojvodina and Banat, and kolo dancing as the cultural heritage of Serbia. Rakočević also reviewed books by ethnochoreologists and ethnomusicologists, some of which are included in this article. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of scholars.