Syrtaki and other Greek dances

Aristotle and Plato said, all the Greek dances have ancient roots. In every corner of hospitable Greece has its own dance style, and a total of more than four thousand!

The Most important are considered to be the Greek dancing that originated on the Islands (nisiotika). Each of them has not only its own movements. Therein lies a story and a deeper meaning. The same can be said about the most famous Greek dance-Sirtaki, has become a symbol of the country.

The Dance really was born in Greece, it was created specifically for the film "Zorba the greek" ("Zorba the Greek”), in the 60-ies. His choreography contained a certain mix of folk dances under the title “hasaposerviko” and “sirtos”. It turns out that, although Sirtaki and became a real Greek character, but in fact it is not a purely national Greek dance.

It was after the release of the film about the Sirtaki dance world. The composer of the music for the film, received an Oscar, and the author of the Sirtaki was awarded the order of Lenin. In new York there were ten clubs, where they play only Greek music, and their visitors were not only Greeks. It was the time of «Beatles» and Elvis Presley, but they listened mostly young people. But Greek dancing was like older people. It's amazing: when the first sounds of the Sirtaki, they were animated and seemed younger, rising from their seats for a rousing dance.

At the heart Sirtaki mixing of rhythms – fast and slow. Dancing be in one line (at least – in a circle). The arms of each of them lie on the shoulders of neighbors. The dance begins slowly, slowly and smoothly, gradually accelerating. Movements are more jerky and quick move in jumps. In this music lies life itself, energy and youth.

Interestingly, in Peru the dance tune can cause a variety of emotions (depending on the political persuasion of the listener). Because it is associated with the meeting of the founders of the famous “Shining path", which is a very leftist orientation. The video footage of this meeting, Abimael Guzman, the leader of the organization, enthusiastically dancing Sirtaki in national costume in the style of Mao Zedong.

I Think that Sirtaki is obsolete? It turns out that this Greek folk dance dance so far. For example, in November 2011 in France, the area of La defense is filled with locals and tourists. Together they gathered to perform the Sirtaki to support Greece. Someone is obtained, someone-not very, but the main thing – it was sincere and from the heart!

Of Course, Sirtaki – is not the only dance of Greece. From ancient times came to us the original Greek dances with very original names: katsiadakis, angeletos, Ananas pidichtos, anomeritis, mitraki, ramatani Soest and many others. Each of them has its unique style and its own characteristics: one is inherent in improvisation and the abrupt change of pace, others – the springiness and grace, third – slow paced with heavy steps. At the same time the dancers can sing and even play guitar.

Indeed, in the dances lies the real soul of Greece!