Popular Dances of Greece Today

Syrtos is the name given to a group of Greek folk dances of ancient origin. The syrto could be the most popular dance in Greece. This is a couples’ dance. It is popular in social gatherings, weddings and religious festivals. It reflects the harmony between male and female roles in Cypriot society. Seherli Sirtosu, Aziziye Sirto, Iskele Sirtosu and Kina Sirtosu are among the well-known Syrtos. The accompanying music is played with a lyre (kemenche) or violin, lute, santur (hammered dulcimer), gaida (bagpipe), mandolin, bouzouki, tambourineand oud are among the instruments involved.

The Tsamiko or Kleftikos is one of two national dances of Greece, has been described as an impressive male folk dance. Said to be Pan-Hellenic, its name is derived from the Tsamouria region in Epirus. It is an expression of bravery and the spirit of victory. Dancers dress in traditional Greek military uniform of the Evzones. The tempo is slow, and the emphasis is on the grace and style of the dancer. The dancers of Tsamiko have to perform some high acrobatic leaps. The leader may improvise the steps. The national anthem of Greece, “Hymn to Freedom”, is composed in Tsamiko rhythm, and so can be danced to.

The second of the two national dances of Greece is the well-known Kalamatianos. Its name most likely has originated from the town of Kalamata in southern Greece. This is danced at all social gatherings.

Dances by Region

The six mainland regions of Greece include:

Epirus:  Of all Greek dances, Epirote dances are the most heavy and slow. Great balance is needed to perform these dances, which include: Eftes, Zagorisios, Sta Dio, Sta Tria, etc. The clarinet is a popular instrument for these dances.

Macedonia:  Dances of Macedonia are varying in nature. Many are solid and involve heavy steps, while others are fast and agile. Usually the dance will begin slow, gradually increasing in speed. Dances include: Gaida Horos, Partalos, Tsotsos, Syrtos Macedonias, Akritikos, Simbethera, etc.

Thrace:  Thracian dance is usually light and involves skipping. Usually the men can dance only at the front of the line. Among the dances of Thrace are: Tapinos Horos, Taponos Pashaliatikos, Horos Tis Giknas, Xesyrtos, Hasapia, Gaitani, Zonaradikos, Baidouska, Syrtos and many others. Instruments include the bagpipe (gaida) and lyra.

Thessaly:  The dances of Thessaly are quite like those of Epirus. They are mostly heavy, and some are fast. As in the Peloponnese, the leader does improvise. Gaitanaki, Kalamatiano, Kageli, Koftos and Tsamiko are a few of the dances of this region. Often, no instrument is used.

Roumeli:  Roumelian dances are usually slow and controlled. Tsamikos, Mazochto, Sta Tria and Kangeli are the main dances of this area. The main instrument used here is the clarinet.

Peloponnese: The dances here are very simple and heavy, improvised by the leader of the line. Dances include: Kalamatianos, Syrtos, Tsamikos, Tsakonikos, Kariatidon, Ai Georgis, Ni Kai ‘Ntre, Mia Kori Mia Spasta Xalasta, Pantreftika Thn Amiri

The Greek islands consist of three main groups:

Aegean Islands: (including the Cyclades and Sporades) are delightful and lyrical in their music and dance. The steps are light, with springing in the knees. Balos Syrtos, Trata, Stavritis, Chiotikos and Ikariotikos are some of these dances.

Ionian Islands: (Eptanisia, or Seven Islands) exhibit a strong Italian influence. The people of Corfu stand out in their musical ability. Dances are graceful and have swaying movements. The Cephallonians reflect their humor through their dance. Ai Yiogis, Ballos, Kerkyraikos, Kato sto Yialo and Tsirigotikos are among the dances.

Dodecanese Islands: (Twelve Islands) are much influenced by immigrant Cretans in music and dance. Syrtos, Ballos, Issos, Syrtos Rodou and Trata are danced on these islands.

Crete: the largest of Greek islands, was united with Greece in 1913. Cretans are known for their bravery. Accordingly, their dance and music are fast and dynamic, with springing movements. Each dancer has a turn to lead and improvise. The Cretan Lyra is popular here, and dances include Pentozali, Maleviziotikos, Haniotikos, Laziotikos and Syrtos.

Cyprus:  Although an independent country, is the largest island inhabited by Greeks, and therefore falls within the Greek major cultural regions. Dance and music of this island are distinctive. Men’s Kartsilamadhes, women’s Kartsilamadhes, Syrtos, Zeimbekikos, Dachas and Sousta are popular dances of Cyprus.

Other regions previously inhabited by Greeks, reflecting various styles of Greek dancing, are as follows:

Pontos: It is in present-day Turkey, but was inhabited by Greeks from ancient times until 1924. Its music and dance is energetic, and features shoulder tremors and knee beds – unique to this region. Tik, Omal, Kotsari, Kots, Trgona, Gerasari and Serra are the main dances.

Capadocia / Ikonio: Also in present-day Turkey, this was an important part of Byzantium and one of the first areas to fall under the Ottoman Empire. Their music and dance (such as the Spoon Dances) are similar to those of central Anatolia. There are also line dances (like Agios Vasiliatikos) associated with the church calendar. Some of the other dances are the Dance of the Scarves and Foties.

Asia Minor: Another major region inhabited by Greeks since the ancient times. It is in present-day Turkey with three of the most popular Pan Hellenic dances in nature, originated in Asia Manor: Hasapikos, Hasaposervikos and Zeimbekikos.

On the next issue we will continue with Dances by Occasion and Costumes…