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Greek dances

April 11, 2024

Greek dance (choros; Greek: χορός, romanized: chorós) is a old tradition, being referred to by authors such as Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch and Lucian.[1] There are different styles and interpretations from all of the islands and surrounding mainland areas. Each region formed its own choreography and style to fit in with their own ways. For example, island dances have more of a different smooth flow to them, while Pontic dancing closer to the Black Sea, is very sharp. There are over 10,000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece. There are also pan-Hellenic dances, which have been adopted throughout the Greek world. These include specifically the Syrtos, Kalamatianos, Pyrrhichios, Ballos, Zeibekiko, and hasapiko.

Traditional Greek dancing has a primarily social function. It brings the community together at key points of the year, such as Easter, the grape harvest or patronal festivals; and at key points in the lives of individuals and families, such as weddings. For this reason, tradition frequently dictates a strict order in the arrangement of the dancers, for example, by age.[2]

Greek dances are performed also in diaspora Greek communities among international folk dance groups.

Ancient Greek dances edit

 
God Pan and a Maenad dancing. Ancient Greek red-figured olpe from Apulia, ca. 320–310 BCE. Pan's right hand fingers are in a snapping position.
 
Women dancing. Ancient Greek bronze, 8th century BCE, Archaeological Museum of Olympia.

In Ancient Greece, dance was a form of ritual, as well as a pastime.[3] Dance could be included in hunting communities, initiation ceremony rituals of age, marriage, and death, entertainment, dance festivals, and religious activity.[4] It was also viewed as a way to educate children about social norms and morals, and was viewed as being essential for physical and emotional development.[5] Dance was used in regard to war as a form of military training, as well as a ritual that served as a mediator between the gods and humans.[6][7] What modern times may consider a parade, military drill, funeral, children’s game, these were seen as forms of dance as long as they were meant to be an exhibition of a rhythmic performance.[8] Suda mention an ancient Greek dance which was called Dipodia (Διποδία), meaning two-step/two-footer.[9]

Modern and regional dances edit

Aegean Islands edit

 
Folk dancers from Thasos, 1958
 
Greek dancers, Belmont, California
 
Dancers from Patmos island
 
Dancers from Astypalaia

The Aegean islands have dances which are fast in pace and light and jumpy. Many of these dances, however, are couples dances, and not so much in lines. See Nisiotika for more information.

 
Dance group in Sydney performing dances of Aegean islands

Crete edit

 
Cretan dancers

These dances are light and jumpy, and extremely cardiovascular.

Central Greece edit

Epirus edit

 
Pogonisios steps

Epirote dances are the most slow and heavy in all of Greece. Great balance is required in order to perform these dances.

Peloponnese edit

The dances of the Peloponnese are very simple and heavy, with the leader of the line improvising.

Ionian Islands edit

 
Corfiot peasant dance (1906)

Macedonia edit

Dances in Macedonia vary. Most are solid and are performed using heavy steps, whilst others are fast and agile. Most dances begin slow and increase in speed.

Western Macedonia

Eastern Macedonia

Thessaly edit

Dances in Thessaly are similar in style to the dances of Epirus. Mostly with slow, heavy movements. However, there are some dances that are also faster paced. The leader can improvise in these dances similarly to those dances from the Epirus, Central Greece and Peloponnese.

Arvanites edit

Thrace edit

Thracian dance is generally skippy and light. In most Thracian dances, the men are only permitted to dance at the front of the line. Musicians and singers such as Chronis Aidonidis and Kariofilis Doitsidis have brought to life the music of Thrace.

Northern Thrace / Eastern Thrace edit

The dances of (Northern Thrace) are fast, upbeat and similar to the Thracian style of dance. Dances from the town of Kavakli and Neo Monastiri are the most popular.

Pontus edit

Main article: Pontic Greek folk dance

The dances of the Pontic Greeks from the Black Sea were mostly performed by the Pontic soldiers in order to motivate themselves before going into a battle. The dances are accompanied by the Pontian lyra, also called kemenche by Turkish people. Also included are dances traditionally performed by Caucasus Greeks and Greeks in Ukraine. See Horon for more information on the history of these dances.

  • Aneforitissa Kizela
  • Apo Pan Kai Ka Matsouka
  • Atsiapat
  • Dipat
  • Etere Trapezounta
  • Fona Argyroupolis
  • Gemoura
  • Getiere Argyroupolis
  • Khaytarma
  • Kalon Koritsi
  • Kazatska
  • Kochari
  • Kori Kopela
  • Kounichton Nikopolis
  • Kousera
  • Lafraga
  • Letsi Kars (Kars)
  • Letsina Kars (Kars)
  • Macheria
  • Militsa
  • Miteritsa
  • Momoeria
  • Omal
  • Patoula
  • Podaraki
  • Pontic Serra
  • Shalakho
  • Sampson (Samsun)
  • Seranitsa
  • Siton Imeras
  • Syrtos
  • Tamsara Nikopolis
  • Tamsara Trapezountas
  • Tas (Kars)
  • T'apan Ke Ka Matsouka
  • Tik Diplo
  • Tik Imeras
  • Tik Mono
  • Tik Nikopolis
  • Tik Togias or Togialidikon
  • Titara Argyroupolis
  • Tria Ti Kotsari
  • Trigona Kerasountas
  • Trigona Matsoukas
  • Trigona Trapezountas
  • Tripat Matsouka
  • Tromakton
  • Tsifteteli
  • Tyrfon or Tryfon Bafra

Asia Minor edit

Constantinople edit

Griko (Southern Italy) edit

Cyprus edit

Aromanians edit

  • Antipera
  • Hatzistergiou
  • Kalamatianos
  • Kato Stin Aspri Petra
  • La Valia di Giannena
  • Sta Tria
  • Syrtos

Sarakatsani edit

  • Apano Stin Triantafilia
  • Choros Katsa
  • Despo
  • Diplos Choros
  • Sta Tria
  • Tsamikos

Greek dancing in the United States edit

Within the United States, Greek Americans participate in Greek dancing in order to preserve their heritage and culture. Greeks of all ages can be seen showcasing their skills at Greek Festivals which take place year round, often hosted by Greek Orthodox churches, or at various competitions in which groups practice dances from specific parts of Greece in order to perform in front of judges.

Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) edit

Since 1976, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco has held a convention that allows Greek Dance groups from various churches in the Pacific Region of the United States to compete. Up to 3,000 people participate annually and it is described as the largest youth ministry program in the Metropolis of San Francisco.[10] Within the competition, there are four divisions, two of which are judged and two of which are exhibition suites. Division I and Division II are judged by a table of judges who have done years of research in Greece and instructed others on the styling and other important elements of Greek dancing. Each competing team will be placed into a division and group based on the average age of the team.[11] Each team performs two times and perfected suites that can be from many places in Greece (islands, mainland, villages) and feature many different dances. The judges will score the teams based on their costumes, singing, stage presence, styling, and how closely it resembles the region that their suite is from.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Raftis, Alkis, The World of Greek Dance Finedawn, Athens (1987) p25.
  2. ^ Raftis, Alkis, The World of Greek Dance Finedawn, Athens(1987) p117.
  3. ^ Fitton, J.W. “Greek Dance”. The Classical Quarterly, vol. 23, no. 2, 1973, pp. 254.
  4. ^ Fitton, J.W. “Greek Dance”. The Classical Quarterly, vol. 23, no. 2, 1973, pp. 254-255.
  5. ^ Lawler, Lillian Brady. “The Dance in Ancient Greece”. The Classical Journal, vol. 42, no. 6, 1947, pp. 344-346.
  6. ^ Lawler, Lillian Brady. “The Dance in Ancient Greece”. The Classical Journal, vol. 42, no. 6, 1947, pp. 344.
  7. ^ Vesterinen, Manna. “Communicative Aspects of Ancient Greek Dance”. ARCTOS, vol. 31, 1998, pp. 181.
  8. ^ Lawler, Lillian Brady. “The Dance in Ancient Greece”. The Classical Journal, vol. 42, no. 6, 1947, pp. 345-346.
  9. ^ Suda, delta, 1263
  10. ^ "FDF 2020". Your FDF. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
  11. ^ McGuire, Tim. "FDF Categories". Your FDF. Retrieved 2020-02-19.

External links edit

  • Video Medley of dances from northern Greek as danced in Turkey (including Gaida, Sirto, Karaguna, Tsamiko, Vlaha, Zeibek). Recording by Thede Kahl in 2016 in Incirliova: Xurévume ruméika stu jufír – Dancing on the Greek Bridge of İkizdere; performers: Sarıkaya family; camera: Thede Kahl; interview: Thede Kahl, Andreea Pascaru; retrieved from the Austrian Academy of Sciences
  • In Greek - Traditional Dance by region
  • Greek Dance Archives
Video Examples of Regional Greek Dances

April 11, 2024
greek, dances, this, article, needs, additional, citations, verification, please, help, improve, this, article, adding, citations, reliable, sources, unsourced, material, challenged, removed, find, sources, news, newspapers, books, scholar, jstor, october, 201. This article needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed Find sources Greek dances news newspapers books scholar JSTOR October 2018 Learn how and when to remove this template message Greek dance choros Greek xoros romanized choros is a old tradition being referred to by authors such as Plato Aristotle Plutarch and Lucian 1 There are different styles and interpretations from all of the islands and surrounding mainland areas Each region formed its own choreography and style to fit in with their own ways For example island dances have more of a different smooth flow to them while Pontic dancing closer to the Black Sea is very sharp There are over 10 000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece There are also pan Hellenic dances which have been adopted throughout the Greek world These include specifically the Syrtos Kalamatianos Pyrrhichios Ballos Zeibekiko and hasapiko Traditional Greek dancing has a primarily social function It brings the community together at key points of the year such as Easter the grape harvest or patronal festivals and at key points in the lives of individuals and families such as weddings For this reason tradition frequently dictates a strict order in the arrangement of the dancers for example by age 2 Greek dances are performed also in diaspora Greek communities among international folk dance groups Contents 1 Ancient Greek dances 2 Modern and regional dances 2 1 Aegean Islands 2 2 Crete 2 3 Central Greece 2 4 Epirus 2 5 Peloponnese 2 6 Ionian Islands 2 7 Macedonia 2 8 Thessaly 2 9 Arvanites 2 10 Thrace 2 11 Northern Thrace Eastern Thrace 2 12 Pontus 2 13 Asia Minor 2 14 Constantinople 2 15 Griko Southern Italy 2 16 Cyprus 2 17 Aromanians 2 18 Sarakatsani 3 Greek dancing in the United States 3 1 Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival FDF 4 See also 5 References 6 External linksAncient Greek dances edit nbsp God Pan and a Maenad dancing Ancient Greek red figured olpe from Apulia ca 320 310 BCE Pan s right hand fingers are in a snapping position nbsp Women dancing Ancient Greek bronze 8th century BCE Archaeological Museum of Olympia Antistrophe Carpaea Choreia dance Cordax Dionysiakos Hyporchema Korybantes Pyrrhichios dance SyrtosIn Ancient Greece dance was a form of ritual as well as a pastime 3 Dance could be included in hunting communities initiation ceremony rituals of age marriage and death entertainment dance festivals and religious activity 4 It was also viewed as a way to educate children about social norms and morals and was viewed as being essential for physical and emotional development 5 Dance was used in regard to war as a form of military training as well as a ritual that served as a mediator between the gods and humans 6 7 What modern times may consider a parade military drill funeral children s game these were seen as forms of dance as long as they were meant to be an exhibition of a rhythmic performance 8 Suda mention an ancient Greek dance which was called Dipodia Dipodia meaning two step two footer 9 Modern and regional dances editAegean Islands edit nbsp Folk dancers from Thasos 1958 nbsp Greek dancers Belmont California nbsp Dancers from Patmos island nbsp Dancers from AstypalaiaThe Aegean islands have dances which are fast in pace and light and jumpy Many of these dances however are couples dances and not so much in lines See Nisiotika for more information Antipatitis Karpathos Arkistis Karpathos Ballaristos Ballos Naxos Kythnos Lemnos Boniatiki Sousta Rhodes Chaniotika Leros Ikariotikos from Ikaria Irene Tilos Isios Kalymnos Kamara Skiathos Kamares Tilos Karavas dance Naxos Kato Choros Karpathos Kechagiadikos Lemnos Kefalonitika Karpathos Kritikos Rhoditiko Pidikto Rhodes Leriki Sousta Leros Lerikos Leros Michanikos Kalymnos Ola Ta Poulakia Thasos Panagia Lemnos Pano Choros Karpathos Patma Lemnos Pirgousikos Chios Plataniotiko Nero Samos Rhoditiki Sousta Rhodes Rhoditikos Rhodes Leros Rodo dance Sianos Karpathos Simetherkatos Lemnos Samiotiki Sousta Samos Sousta Kalymnos Sousta Karpathou Karpathos Sousta Koaki Kos Sousta Tilou Tilos Sperveri Rhodes Strose Vayia Samos Symiaki Sousta Symi Syrtos Syrtos Assos Agathonisi Ta Xila Mytilene Thermiotikos Karsilamas Kythnos Thimariotikos Kalymnos Tourtsikos Rhodes Trata Tsopanikos Lemnos Zervos Karpathos nbsp Dance group in Sydney performing dances of Aegean islandsCrete edit nbsp Cretan dancersThese dances are light and jumpy and extremely cardiovascular Angaliastos Anogianos Pidichtos Apanomeritis Ethianos Pidichtos Ierapetrikos Pidichtos Kanella Katsabadianos Laziotis Maleviziotis Mikro Mikraki Ntames Ntournerakia Pentozali Pidichtos Lasithou Pyrrhichios Priniotis Rethemniotiki Sousta Rodo dance Siganos Sitiakos Pidichtos Sousta Syrtos Chaniotikos Trizali Xenobasaris Zervodexos Central Greece edit Antikristos Hasapiko Sirtaki Hatzichristos from Megara Kalamatianos Kavodorikos Karystos Kleistos Pyrrhichios Syrtos Lambri Kamara Megara Loulouvikos from Megara Tis Triantafilias Ta Fila Megara Trata from Megara Tsamikos Epirus edit nbsp Pogonisios stepsEpirote dances are the most slow and heavy in all of Greece Great balance is required in order to perform these dances Berati Tsamikos Fisounis Genovefa Giatros Horos Tis Nifis or Lipothimarikos Kapitan Louka Koftos Klamata Metsovitikos Palamakia Papadia Papiggo Parzakana Pogonisios Sta Dio Sta Tria Singathistos Metsovou Zagorisios Peloponnese edit The dances of the Peloponnese are very simple and heavy with the leader of the line improvising Ai Georgis Diplos Horos Geranos Kalamatianos Maniatikos Monodiplos Panagiotis dance Syrtos Tsakonikos Tsamikos Ionian Islands edit nbsp Corfiot peasant dance 1906 Ai Georgis Corfu Ballos Lefkada Cefalonia Bourdaris Kythira Cerigotikos Kythira Potamitikos Kythira Ai Georgis Kythira Divaratikos Cefalonia Fourlana Corfu Kerkiraikos Corfu Lefkaditikos Lefkada Levantitikos Zakynthos Mermigas Cefalonia Mesaritikos Kythira Rouga Corfu Syrtos Cefalonia Thiakos Lefkada Macedonia edit Dances in Macedonia vary Most are solid and are performed using heavy steps whilst others are fast and agile Most dances begin slow and increase in speed Western Macedonia Akritikos Florina Antikristos Bougatsas Florina Dimitroula Diplos Choros Tis Rokas Gaida Dance Gerakina Gerontikos Endeka Kozanis Kastorianos Kori Eleni Kapitan Louka Hasapiko Leventikos Florina Makedonikos antikristos Makrinitsa dance Nizamikos Naousa Omorfoula Florina O Nikolos Partalos Poustseno Proskinitos Raikos Edessa Servikos Simbethera Florina Stamoulo Stankina Edessa Syre Syre Edessa Syrtos Makedonias Tis Dimitroulas Tis Marias Tranos Choros Kozani Trita Pata Naousa Tsamikos Deskatis Tsotsos Florina Tsourapia Florina Zacharoula Zaramo dance Eastern Macedonia Antikristos Drousas Kampana Kori Eleni Tefkotos Thessaly edit Dances in Thessaly are similar in style to the dances of Epirus Mostly with slow heavy movements However there are some dances that are also faster paced The leader can improvise in these dances similarly to those dances from the Epirus Central Greece and Peloponnese Dionysiakos Gaitanaki Galanogalani Girogalakis Kalamatianos Kamara Kangeli Karagouna Kleistos Kleistos Argitheas Koftos Lafina Pilioritikos Rougatsiarikos Souzana Syrtos Tsamiko Zacharoula Arvanites edit Ntarsa Plektos TsamikosThrace edit Thracian dance is generally skippy and light In most Thracian dances the men are only permitted to dance at the front of the line Musicians and singers such as Chronis Aidonidis and Kariofilis Doitsidis have brought to life the music of Thrace Antikristos Baidouska Daktili Dendritsi Drista Gaitani Giknas Hasapia Koulouriastos Mandilatos Papisios Singathistos Syrtos Tapeinos Horos Tapeinos Paschaliatikos Tripati Zonaradiko Northern Thrace Eastern Thrace edit The dances of Northern Thrace are fast upbeat and similar to the Thracian style of dance Dances from the town of Kavakli and Neo Monastiri are the most popular Antikristos Bogdanos Douzikos Kallinitikos Katsivelikos Kinigitos Koutsos Miliso Podaraki Sfarlis Singathistos Stis Treis Syrtos Banas Tamzara Tremouliastos Troiro Tsestos Zervos Zervos Banas Zervodexios Zonaradiko Pontus edit Main article Pontic Greek folk dance The dances of the Pontic Greeks from the Black Sea were mostly performed by the Pontic soldiers in order to motivate themselves before going into a battle The dances are accompanied by the Pontian lyra also called kemenche by Turkish people Also included are dances traditionally performed by Caucasus Greeks and Greeks in Ukraine See Horon for more information on the history of these dances Aneforitissa Kizela Apo Pan Kai Ka Matsouka Atsiapat Dipat Etere Trapezounta Fona Argyroupolis Gemoura Getiere Argyroupolis Khaytarma Kalon Koritsi Kazatska Kochari Kori Kopela Kounichton Nikopolis Kousera Lafraga Letsi Kars Kars Letsina Kars Kars Macheria Militsa Miteritsa Momoeria Omal Patoula Podaraki Pontic Serra Shalakho Sampson Samsun Seranitsa Siton Imeras Syrtos Tamsara Nikopolis Tamsara Trapezountas Tas Kars T apan Ke Ka Matsouka Tik Diplo Tik Imeras Tik Mono Tik Nikopolis Tik Togias or Togialidikon Titara Argyroupolis Tria Ti Kotsari Trigona Kerasountas Trigona Matsoukas Trigona Trapezountas Tripat Matsouka Tromakton Tsifteteli Tyrfon or Tryfon Bafra Asia Minor edit Erythrae Alatsatiani Horos Attaris Ballos Byzantine dance Paschalinos Geranos Sousta Syrtos Syrtos Karabourniotikos Tapeinos Zeibekiko Cappadocia The Cappadocian dances were mainly sung in the Cappadocian dialect of Cappadocian Greeks or the Karamanlides Dances varied from social dances to ritualistic dances Ai Vassiliatikos Choros Koutalion Choros Leilaloum Choros Macherion Choros Mandilion Ensoma Tas Kemerli Tsitsek Ntag Pasha Antipasha Leilaloum Vara Vara Konialis Kouseftos Sei Tata Syrtos Zeibekiko Sinasos The Dances amp Songs of Sinasos Mustafapasa Apopsin Ta Mesanihta Isos Sinasos Koniali Malamatenios Argalios Pago Stou Prousas Ta Vouna Simeris i Simeriani Constantinople edit Byzantine dance Hasapiko Tesera Matia Patinada Nyfis RododachtilosGriko Southern Italy edit Pizzica TarantellaCyprus edit Men s Dances Antikristos Defteros Karsilamas Protos Karsilamas Syrtos Tatsia Tritos Karsilamas Women s Dances Antikristos Defteros Karsilamas Protos Karsilamas Syrtos Tetartos Karsilamas Tritos Karsilamas Aromanians edit Antipera Hatzistergiou Kalamatianos Kato Stin Aspri Petra La Valia di Giannena Sta Tria SyrtosSarakatsani edit Apano Stin Triantafilia Choros Katsa Despo Diplos Choros Sta Tria TsamikosGreek dancing in the United States editWithin the United States Greek Americans participate in Greek dancing in order to preserve their heritage and culture Greeks of all ages can be seen showcasing their skills at Greek Festivals which take place year round often hosted by Greek Orthodox churches or at various competitions in which groups practice dances from specific parts of Greece in order to perform in front of judges Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival FDF edit Since 1976 the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco has held a convention that allows Greek Dance groups from various churches in the Pacific Region of the United States to compete Up to 3 000 people participate annually and it is described as the largest youth ministry program in the Metropolis of San Francisco 10 Within the competition there are four divisions two of which are judged and two of which are exhibition suites Division I and Division II are judged by a table of judges who have done years of research in Greece and instructed others on the styling and other important elements of Greek dancing Each competing team will be placed into a division and group based on the average age of the team 11 Each team performs two times and perfected suites that can be from many places in Greece islands mainland villages and feature many different dances The judges will score the teams based on their costumes singing stage presence styling and how closely it resembles the region that their suite is from See also editGreek folk music Dora Stratou Greek musical instruments Byzantine music Assyrian folk dance Armenian dance Turkish danceReferences edit Raftis Alkis The World of Greek Dance Finedawn Athens 1987 p25 Raftis Alkis The World of Greek Dance Finedawn Athens 1987 p117 Fitton J W Greek Dance The Classical Quarterly vol 23 no 2 1973 pp 254 Fitton J W Greek Dance The Classical Quarterly vol 23 no 2 1973 pp 254 255 Lawler Lillian Brady The Dance in Ancient Greece The Classical Journal vol 42 no 6 1947 pp 344 346 Lawler Lillian Brady The Dance in Ancient Greece The Classical Journal vol 42 no 6 1947 pp 344 Vesterinen Manna Communicative Aspects of Ancient Greek Dance ARCTOS vol 31 1998 pp 181 Lawler Lillian Brady The Dance in Ancient Greece The Classical Journal vol 42 no 6 1947 pp 345 346 Suda delta 1263 FDF 2020 Your FDF Retrieved 2020 02 19 McGuire Tim FDF Categories Your FDF Retrieved 2020 02 19 External links editThis article s use of external links may not follow Wikipedia s policies or guidelines Please improve this article by removing excessive or inappropriate external links and converting useful links where appropriate into footnote references August 2016 Learn how and when to remove this template message Video Medley of dances from northern Greek as danced in Turkey including Gaida Sirto Karaguna Tsamiko Vlaha Zeibek Recording by Thede Kahl in 2016 in Incirliova Xurevume rumeika stu jufir Dancing on the Greek Bridge of Ikizdere performers Sarikaya family camera Thede Kahl interview Thede Kahl Andreea Pascaru retrieved from the Austrian Academy of Sciences In Greek Traditional Dance by region Greek Dance ArchivesVideo Examples of Regional Greek DancesDance from region of Macedonia Dance from region of Macedonia Dance from region of Thessaly Dance from region of Thessaly Dance from the region of Thraki Dance from the region of Thraki Dances from the region of Pontus Dances from the region of Pontus Macedonian dances Macedonia 1 Macedonia Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Greek dances amp oldid 1215528162, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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