GREEK DANCES

Greek dances fall generally into two categories; one favored by the working-class inhabitants of Athens and the industrial suburbs, and the other more traditional, favored by the peasant population.

Of the former, the most popular is the “zeimbetiko” of Byzantine and Anatolian origin.  A solo dance for men, it is performed with a panther-like grace and an air of mystical awe.  The dancer, with eyes to the floor repeatedly bends down to run his hand across the ground.  The music, played by “bouzoukia”, large awkward – looking mandolins, is nostalgic and weighted with sorrow.

The “hassapiko”, the butcher’s dance, originated in Constantinople, is danced by two or more persons in a confined area, who hiss and snap their fingers while gracefully bending and stretching their legs to a clearly marked rhythm.  Similar is the “serviko” of Slav origin.

One of the most popular Greek dances is the “tsifteteli” which is nothing more than a debased belly danced of oriental character.  The country peasant dances, on the other hand, are older, indigenous, and are more rooted in ancient mythology.  In Crete, for instance, the “chaniotioko:, a circular dance, was originally performed by men preparing for battle.

Similar is the “syrtos”, which is a favorite of the magnificent evzones, the presidential guard.  The most popular, however, of all Greek dances is the “kalamatianos”, which is performed in a large circle with the leader waving a handkerchief, swirling and bounding and achieving remarkable acrobatic feats, while the chain of followers shuffle around in a basic step.

Instruments used to accompany the dancers are usually a lyre, drums, clarinet, violin and bouzoukia.