“The dance, of all the arts, is the one that most influences the soul. Dancing is divine in nature and the gift of the gods’ – Plato
For those of us connected to the Greek diaspora, Greek Dance and music are more than just art forms; they are a profound link to our ancestral homeland. Growing up outside of Greece, experiencing these dances has been an invaluable way to understand, explore, and deeply connect with Greek culture. It’s a powerful way to maintain a tangible bond with the land and traditions, even when geographical distance keeps us apart. You might have encountered formal presentations of greek dance, complete with traditional folk costumes and music, outside of Greece. However, the spirit of greek dance also thrives in the spontaneous celebrations of Greek life, like weddings and baptisms. In these settings, traditional steps blend seamlessly with modern Greek pop music, creating a vibrant fusion that honors the past while embracing the present. Greek dance is a living, breathing tradition, constantly evolving yet deeply rooted in history. While some dances originated in ancient rites and contexts that have shifted over time, their essence remains relevant and vital in the 21st century. In fact, in 2020 and beyond, the joy and cultural richness of greek dance are accessible and open to everyone, regardless of background. If a trip to Greece isn’t possible right now, delving into greek dance is a fantastic way to transport yourself there in spirit!
The Enduring Essence of Greek Dance
As humans, we instinctively seek connection with nature and the cyclical rhythms of life. Greek dance, with its ancient Hellenic roots, provides a powerful avenue for this connection and celebration. The people of Hellenic (Greek) heritage have danced for millennia, marking countless occasions and milestones through movement. Ancient pottery vividly depicts figures holding hands in dance, often encircling altars, revealing the communal nature of this art form. The circle dance, or Kiklos, is a fundamental element in many greek dances, symbolizing unity and community. While some greek dances encourage improvisation and individual expression, others emphasize synchronized movements, reflecting the diverse regional traditions of Greece. The style of greek dance varies dramatically across different regions. Island dances, for instance, often embody the spirit of island life: light, playful, and characterized by lively, “hoppy” steps. Conversely, dances from mainland, mountainous Greece tend to be more grounded and weighty, both in their steps and musical accompaniment.
A Geographical and Cultural Crossroads Reflected in Dance
Greek music, the soul of greek dance, is a captivating blend of diverse cultural and geographical influences. Greece’s unique position as a bridge between East and West has profoundly shaped its musical and dance traditions. You can hear echoes of Balkan, Persian/Eastern, and distinctly Greek musical elements woven together, creating a dynamic and rich tapestry. Even as a part of modern Europe, Greek music and dance serve as a vibrant reminder of the historical crossroads that Greece has always been, a place where cultures and traditions have mingled through trade and exchange for centuries. The instrumentation itself reflects this fascinating confluence of influences. Greek dances serve a multitude of purposes, each adding a layer of depth to their cultural significance. They are integral to marriage rites, celebratory festivals, war dances (like the Pyrrhic), courtship rituals, mourning ceremonies, expressions of love, rites of passage, ecstatic experiences, and even dreamlike states. The world of greek dance is also characterized by a remarkable cross-pollination of styles and steps. The instruments used in greek dance music are diverse and vary by region, evolving over time while also maintaining connections to ancient traditions. While instruments like the clarinet are relatively recent additions to traditional Greek music, others, such as flutes and woodwinds, have been in use since antiquity, echoing the sounds depicted on ancient pottery. Vocals and call-and-response patterns have always been and remain crucial elements in greek dance music, adding another layer of depth and communal participation to this vibrant art form.
