Greek Folk Dances
Greek folk dances
The ancient Greeks believed that dance was a gift from the gods to man. This is how we also believe in the idea that dance beautifies the lives of all of us and makes us better, let alone the traditional dances that we use in every celebration, wedding, family gatherings, festivals and so on… The traditional dance with the folk song are one of the most important and living elements of our popular culture.
Hasapiko
Zeibekiko
This dance has a particular rhythm, 9/8, and it is very important that the dancer dances to this particular rhythm, which we learn to hear in the music. Unless one is born with the gift of a musical ear and hears that particular beat spontaneously and dances to it. It is true that zeibekiko is an improvisational dance, but it is very important to learn through specific figures the correct use of the legs and body.
Aptalikos
Aptalikos is an Asia Minor dance and is danced by one or two people as an antichrist dance.
Island style
Epirus
The traditional dances of Epirus are characterized by a heavy step and a slow rhythm.
Syrtos
Chamiko
Tsamikos is a traditional Greek dance that has a special rhythm, you dance in 3/4. In the past, the tsamikos was danced only by men, but in modern times, women also take part.
Cretan
25 dances are included in the lively dance tradition of Crete. The most widespread of them are the syrtos chaniotikos, the susta, the siganos, the maleviziotis, and the pentozalis.
Thracian
Pontiac
Kalamatian
Karsilamas
Karsilamas is danced by 1 or several couples. Apart from the coasts of Asia Minor, it was also danced in Thrace and Lesvos.