Greek Dances

The beginning of Greek circle dances: how the chain is held, where the step starts and how to count music in time signatures that are nothing like four-four. The first dances are usually syrtos and hasapiko — simple, repeating figures that let you join the circle quickly. The atmosphere is festive, just as it is in Greece.

Dances from mainland Greece and the islands — sirtaki, hasapiko, kalamatianos, zeibekiko — with longer and more complex figures. At this level the work is on the less common rhythms, on changes of direction and on the style each region carries. The steps are learned in a circle or a line, hands on shoulders, just as they are danced at the festivals themselves.