Jane and I believe that understanding the culture behind a recipe enhances its flavor. Connecting with food during cooking, especially by learning about its country of origin, deepens our appreciation. That’s why we created our “cultural post” series, aiming to share our cultural insights and enrich your experience when you next prepare Greek cuisine.
Today, let’s immerse ourselves in the captivating realm of Greek dance! OPA!
Folk dancing has been a cherished tradition in Greece since antiquity. Remarkably, Greece remains one of the few nations where folk dancing is as vibrant today as it was in its origins. From Crete to Thrace, each region boasts unique folk dances, some more widely known than others. This article will explore the rich and fascinating history of Dance Greek style.
The Ancient Roots of Greek Dance: History and Significance
Folk dancing stands as one of Greece’s most compelling cultural facets. This art form, intertwined with song and music, has thrived for millennia. Its diverse forms have evolved since the dawn of Greek civilization. Ancient Greeks perceived folk dances as spiritually significant. Plato himself stated, “The dance, of all the arts, is the one that most influences the soul. Dancing is divine in its nature and is the gift of the gods.” This sentiment resonated deeply, contributing to its enduring popularity. In ancient Greece, dance was a cornerstone of education, nurturing talents in children. Folk dances were central to grand celebrations and even served a role in wartime, boosting soldier morale before battles.
For instance, the Hasapiko (χασάπικο), a Greek folk dance originating from Constantinople, exemplifies this. It begins slowly, gradually accelerating, and was created by the Greek butchers’ guild! You can witness the celebrated Greek actress, Jenny Karezi, dancing it in her film, Jenny Jenny:
Exploring Different Styles of Greek Dance: From Syrtos to Leaping Dances
Numerous folk dances have maintained their popularity to this day. Despite the variety, they broadly fall into two categories: leaping dances and trailing dances, also known as Syrtos. Both are performed in an open circle. Syrtos, considered the oldest form of folk dance, is also the most prevalent today. Leaping dances are generally more energetic and robust, whereas Syrtos dances are typically more serene and graceful, although exceptions exist. One of the captivating aspects of Greek folk dancing is its diverse range of types. There are solo dances, dances exclusively for men, dances for women, and mixed dances, the latter being a more recent inclusion in Greek culture. Each type has significantly contributed to Greece’s historical narrative.
Syrtos encompasses a wide array of dances, primarily line dances forming a semi-circle. Many Greek regions have adapted the Syrtos dance to reflect their local traditions. Today, Syrtos dances are integral to Greek festivities and weddings. The most famous of these is the Kalamatianos, which shares steps with Syrtos but is more upbeat and faster. The Kalamatianos dance is among the few Greek folk dances globally recognized and is frequently performed at social gatherings and festive occasions. It is often regarded as Greece’s national dance. The Kalamatianos is believed to be referenced in Homer’s ancient epic poem, the Iliad. Its name originates from the town of Kalamata (my family’s hometown!), located in Southern Greece. You can observe people dancing this in the following video (though a bit dated, it showcases traditional attire):
Leaping dances categorize lively, hopping dances, many originating from ancient Crete. Historically, men primarily participated in these, though women’s inclusion is now more common. The most popular is the Pentozali (πεντοζάλι) dance, known for its excitement and vigor. While Kalamatianos is often called the national dance, Pentozali rivals it in popularity. This specific Greek folk dance is believed to have emerged during the Turkish occupation. It was created as Greek soldiers prepared for their fifth revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Despite the revolt’s failure, the dance endured in the hearts of Greeks.
As you can see, a rich history underpins Greece’s passion for dancing Greek styles. While this is just a glimpse into this fascinating subject, we hope it provides a helpful overview. The sheer number of dances prevents us from covering them all here. Our next cultural post will explore the traditional garments worn by dancers, so stay tuned! And, of course, expect new delicious recipes soon 😉
PS. If you have any interesting insights to share, please leave a comment below. We’d love to hear your thoughts or cherished memories related to Greek dancing!
