The famous sevdalinka Mila majko, šalji me na vodu (Dear mother, send me to the water) performed by Himzo Polovina served as inspiration to Denis for another unique choreography. The flawless lyricism of this sevdalinka quickly captures the attention of every listener. In the song, the daughter is asking her mother to send her to the water where she hopes to see her darling. On the way to the water source the girl is talking to the Moon and through this poetic and mystical conversation she uncovers an unpleasant truth. These very clear and poetic images effortlessly, almost by themselves, translate into a beautiful choreography. It is a real surprise that until now, so far we know, nobody has ever tried to present this sevdalinka in a dance, either in Bosnia or elsewhere.
The steps used in this choreography, are taken from the traditional women’s Bosniak dance kolanje. In order to successfully interpret the storyline of this beautiful sevdalinka, Sevdah’s girls also employ facial expressions. However, the most expressive stage device used in this choreography are the stage props: large water ewers (ibriks) carried by the girls. That is where the name of the dance comes from - Ibrik kolanje.
Our choreographer, Denis Bašić, designed a very demanding choreography for Ibrik kolanje. The dancers have had to develop a great coordination of movements. The B-H kolanje dances are, generally speaking, based on very simple steps. However, what makes them special is their elegance, which is derived exactly from that simplicity. What additionally contributes to the grace of Sevdah’s dance is the beauty of the women’s costumes anterias, as well as the beauty of the Ottoman-style water ewers ibriks forged in Sarajevo, Istanbul, and Cairo.
For the first time, Sevdah performed the Ibrik kolanje at the Bayram celebration on November 26, 2005, as a present to our grandmothers and grandfathers, to remind them of their lovely dates by water wells and sources in the old country.