Greek dancing can be a bit intimidating when you are first starting out. It is, however, a style of folk dance that is so celebratory and inviting that it would be a shame not to give it a try. With some practice, and this guide, you will have all of the information you need to begin the exciting journey of learning how to Greek dance for celebrations.
Dances You Will Encounter
Unless you are at a function specifically geared to professional Greek dancers, you will most likely only encounter four dances: Kalamatiano, Tsamiko, Tsifteteli and Zembekiko. Below are brief descriptions of each dance, so that you may become familiar with the respective style and sentiment of each one:
- Kalamatiano is a lively, 12-step, open circle dance. The Kalamatiano is usually the first dance to occur at celebrations, particularly in Greek communities outside of Greece. There is also plenty of time to get comfortable with the steps because bands often like to play 15- to 20-minute marathons of this music.
- Tsamiko is, by contrast, a much slower, open circle dance. Traditionally, the person leading the circle will perform various tricks (fygoures), while the rest of the circle follows a simple 12-step routine. Though this dance is not very fast-paced, it is always touching to experience the emotion and pathos of the leader, especially if it is an older gentleman or woman.
- Tsifteteli, the Greek version of belly-dancing, is perfect for anybody who is uncomfortable with the choreography of the previous two dances, but very comfortable with wiggling their hips on the dance floor.
- Zembekiko (Zeibekiko), also known as "drunken man's" dance is (not surprisingly) danced at the end of the night. It is a freestyle, solo or partner dance, characterized by the swaggering, off-balance movement of the dancer. At celebrations, you will likely see several participants kneeling and clapping around particular dancers, and trading off with them once they have finished their dance.
Greek Dance Etiquette
The first rule of doing any of these dances is that anybody (that's right, anybody), is welcome to dance. It doesn't matter whether you are a seasoned professional, or a newbie who's trying their shot at Kalamatiano for the first time.
Feel free to join any circle or line that you wish; there are no rules that you must be related to or even know the people in the same line as you. Greek dancing is a communal and welcoming art, so feel free to jump right in!
The next rule (and this is an important one): never, ever, join a line from the front. The person on this end is the leader who determines what the line does or where it goes. Only take the reins to lead the dance if you are invited by the leader (and if you are comfortable with the steps, of course).
Also, feel free to leave the line anytime you want. There is no rule that you have to stay there until the band finishes the song (as that may be a very, very long time). If you are leading the line, however, make sure that you invite someone else to take your place before you run off!
Finally, the worst thing that you could ever do with regards to Greek dancing is not have fun. If you are smiling, and genuinely enjoying yourself, you' will look like you've been doing this forever!
Lia Karidas - Lia Karidas is an Honors student in Media, Information and Technoculture at the University of Western Ontario, and enjoys writing for all ...
