How to learn greek dancing
Learn An Easy Greek Traditional Dance!
Ancient Greeks believed that dance is the gift of the Gods to humanity.
Contemporary folk dances date all the way back to Ancient Greece and are thus often referenced by authors like Plato, Aristotle and Plutarch.
It is summer, and we are in the mood to dance…However, in outdoor non-crowded places, and without holding hands, due to the ongoing Covid situation..
Τι να κάνουμε!
Greece has a very wide spectrum of folk dances that vary from one place to another; there is no specific number, but experts suggest that there are more than 4000 of them.
Quite an impressive number considering the size of the country! The dances are informed by each location’s traditions mentality beliefs and history – may that be mainland Greece or one of its numerous islands.
Traditional Greek dances have a primarily social function. They bring local communities together; they are the highlight of key annual celebrations such as Easter celebrations and
summer festivals as well as important moments in people’s personal lives such as weddings, birthdays, etc.
It’s quite common for modern Greeks to learn at least a few traditional dances as children or teenagers either at school or at independent dance schools since it is seen as a way to
pass the traditions from one generation to another.
Most of the Greek traditional dances, are not so difficult to learn, and you do not need to be athletic or a dancing type in order to learn the steps.
However, for foreigners, it is often more complicated than it looks, due to the different rhythms in the music, than we are used to in other European countries.
So you often need to get used to the rythm first, before your feet will follow your mind 🙂
One of the easiest dances to learn for foreigners, is the “xasaposervikos”, since it has a simple rhythm, very close to music Europeans or North Americans are used to in their countries.
Α small introduction to the “xasaposervikos” dance:
Xasaposercikos, also called hasaposervikos or servikos, is a traditional Greek dance with simple basic steps that are repeated throughout the song.
As a result, it’s good for beginners, but do not be fooled – it’s a quick one!
The tempo of the dance is 2/4 and it has been influenced by the music traditions of other Balkan countries and Eastern Europe, such as Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria.
“Servikos” is the Greek word for Serbian after all.
People of all these nationalities would travel from one big urban center to another as well as to the coast for Asia Minor for professional purposes.
Wandering musicians, many of them being Gypsies, would also travel to these places and they would experiment with the different music and dances of the areas they visited. In Greece, hasaposerviko bloomed
and became more defined under the influence of rebetiko music.
The dancers hold on to each other in a shoulder-hold and, starting with the right foot, they make three steps to the right. Then, they kick the left foot forward, step down to the left and kick out with the right foot.
Below some songs that are a good indication of hasaposervikos music and tempo:
• Είμαστε Αλάνια
• Είμαι Ερωτευμένος με τα Μάτια Σου
• Στην Σκέψη της Τρελή
Do you think it is difficult to dance?
Do not worry, you can do it as well! Take a look at the video below, where foreigners from every corner of the world, dance the xasapikoservikos 😉
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
How to Greek Dance by The Guys @ DCGreeks. Remember when you were little and your parents or your Greek School teacher would tell you to learn how to Greek Dance and you'd never listened, thinking to yourself, "Greek dancing's stupid. Why would I ever want to go around and around and around in circles like that?" Now flash forward to your early twenties when you suddenly found yourself not knowing a zembekiko from a zebra. When this happened, you had three options; either you learned how to Greek Dance, you found something else to compensate for your lack of knowledge of Greek Dancing, or you just accepted the fact that you'd never find that Greek girl/guy of your dreams because you couldn't count out 1-2-3-kick without moving your lips. It's like your mama always said, "Greek girls/guys won't give you the time of day if you can't Greek dance." Maybe your mama was over- exaggerating, but in any event, if you fear that the Kalamatiano of life is passing you by, don't worry, because we present to you, How to Greek Dance, How to Fake It, or How to Get by Without It! Knowing Greek Dancing, or at least being able to fake your way through it, is important because the few occasions you'll have throughout the year where there will be a lot of Greek people, especially Greek people you've never met before, will involve Greek dancing.
So you've gotten in a Greek dance line, what do you do? Stick to the basics. In DC, the basics are Kalamatiano, Tsamiko and Hasaposerviko. If you're a beginner, try if at all possible to get to the middle of a line.
Also avoid the very end of the line -- you just look like a complete tool with your arm all flailing about unconnected; it's also the easiest place for someone you wouldn't want to be dancing with to latch on in the middle of a song. If you've gotten to the middle of a line, then basically just follow along and make sure at the very least that you're going in the same direction as the rest of the line. Now if you've been paying attention, you'll notice that we've strictly been talking about Greek line-dancing to this point. There are two main dances that aren't in a line, the zembekiko, tailored to the fellas, and the tsifteteli, a chance for the ladies to show off their moves. If you're a guy and a zembekiko is playing and you're not very good, this might be a chance to go get a drink. Come back toward the end of the song and then plop down on one knee and start clapping for the other guy who will be surrounded by the rest of the girls and the guys who have already been up. Like playing spin the bottle at your Greek cousin's house, hopefully your turn won't come around. The guy's part during a tsifteteli is easy -- just sit there and clap or snap your fingers approvingly as the girl you're dancing with/staring at goes to work. So you've read our helpful hints, you've followed our easy to follow instructions, but you still can't Greek dance, then what? If you're a guy, make up an injury. Remind girls of the time you scored 40 in a GOYA basketball game and blew out your knee on the game winning shot. Actually we knew guys back in the day who were with really great Greek girls whose athletic ability and time in the gym more than made up for their lack of coordination on the dance floor. If you're not the largest guy in the world, consider buying a new car -- General Motors is currently offering 0.0% APR for 36 months on all new cars, so there's no better time to buy. If you're a girl and you can't Greek dance, don't worry, because they'll be plenty of guys on the sidelines who can't or won't Greek dance and will be happy that you don't equate a guy's Greek dancing ability with the size of his tsarouhia. Read past feature articles.
Share
|
com
Greek dancing may be your only opportunity to meet that girl or guy that you'd never be able to get a chance to talk to in any other circumstance because you'd have to get through the girl's cousins or the guy's parea that normally encircle them. Greek dancing is a free-for-all experience where you can suddenly find yourself in line next to girl/guy of your dreams either on purpose or completely by accident. How you end up there usually depends on if you're a guy or a girl. If you're a guy you find a way to get into a line next to that girl which sometimes involves more line transfers than your morning Metro ride. If you're a girl, you're dragging the guy who's sitting down at a table out onto the dance floor -- a bold move, but we've seen it pulled off successfully on a number of occasions. Once you're out there dancing with them, if you can survive a Kalamatiano medley without stepping on them, you might have a shot of meeting them once the music stops. If you're a decent Greek dancer, you may be able to talk to them while you are actually dancing.
But unless you're really good, the place to be is behind them, because the rest of the line doesn't like that guy/girl who derails the Hasaposerviko Express by running into the person in front of them because they weren't paying attention to where they were going. 
Don't ever go to the beginning of the line because you're going to be expected to lead. If you somehow find yourself at the beginning of the line, steer the line to the outside of the dance floor, and get in a holding pattern just long enough for a more experienced dancer to come and relieve you. Avoid the always dangerous drunk centipede path of destruction, where you start crossing under other dance lines, your own dance line, the band's equipment, and other places that will result in the loss of segments from your line. 
You can fake your footwork at most Greek dances and for the most part no one will mind or notice. Just as long as you don't step on anyone, either in your own line, or the line in front of you or behind you, you should be fine. 
Ladies, I don't think a girl has ever gotten a lower score because of a poor tsifteteli performance -- it's like the salad that comes with your soulvaki platter -- bonus. 
(That's the wooden shoes with the pom-poms, for any of you out there who can't speak Greek.) 
com MemberGreek Dance: The Joy of Movement - Greece Today
Added: August 20, 2013 20:31
Dance is one of the oldest means of self-expression: in Greece, its origins go back to 1000 BC. e. Dance owes its origin to the need to express those feelings that cannot be expressed in words. It is inextricably linked with all aspects of human life: holidays, love, work, and even death. Dance is the voice of the soul, expressed by the movements of the body; it helps us express our personality, stimulates creativity and liberates.
Dance is not just a game, it is a ritual, which is one of the most vital aspects of the cultural wealth of any nation, a source of inspiration and creativity. Traditional dances are closely intertwined with the manners and customs of the Greeks. Folk Greek dances are exceptionally varied. They are divided into different categories depending on the purpose (love, military and religious), on gender (male, female and mixed), on the region (folk, local, island). In addition, dances are divided into fast, consisting of bouncing, and slow, with calm smooth movements.
For more than 7 years, the Greek Cultural Center (GCC) has been successfully operating the School of Greek Dance, where everyone is given a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the rich musical and dance traditions of Greece and learn how to dance the most popular national dances from different regions of the country. The repertoire of the GCC Dance Company includes more than fifty (50) dances from mainland and island Greece.
The purpose of the School is teaching based on the philosophy of movement, developing creativity and allowing a deeper understanding of the history of Greek dance. Fast, high-quality and effective training takes place in a warm and friendly environment and is designed for people of all ages. In addition to introducing students to Greek traditions, dance lessons aim to develop psychomotor abilities, aesthetic education and improve social communication skills. Dancing helps to reduce stress, develop a sense of rhythm, tone the muscular system, give movements plasticity and grace, and increase physical endurance.
The ancient Greeks believed that dance is a gift from the gods to man, which makes it possible to forget all sorrows and make life more beautiful, filling it with joy and fun. This delightful art was revered by the ancient peoples throughout Hellas. And today, the art of dance, which has not lost its value, remains loved by many people. Dance ennobles our life and takes us to a beautiful mythical world, we just have to approach it with respect and love.
A few words about the most popular Greek dances.
Zeybekiko is a dance whose name comes from the Zeybeks, a people who inhabited Thrace. These people kept their customs and wore national costumes, emphasizing the purpose of severe military dances. The peculiarity of zeibekiko is that this dance is performed by one person; there are no steps in it, and its main figures are turns and squats. The dance is mostly performed by men, and it expresses melancholy and sadness.
It is customary to dance Hasapiko standing in one line and placing hands on the shoulders of neighbors. In this case, the steps alternate with figures. This dance served as the basis for the creation of the famous Greek dance sirtaki. According to one version, the history of the hasapiko dates back to the Byzantine period, when this military dance depicted a sword fight; according to another version, the dance owes its appearance to Greek butchers from Constantinople.
Kalamatianos is a folk dance belonging to the category of sirtos dances.
It consists of 12 basic steps: the first seven are forward, and the remaining five are in place. This popular dance originated in the Peloponnese. Thanks to its pleasant rhythm and relatively simple steps, it is danced with pleasure by men and women throughout Greece.
Pontic dances are group dances performed by men and women standing in a circle and holding each other's wrists. At the same time, the hands of the dancers either rise high, or, bending at the elbows, fall. Pontic dances are accompanied by the traditional musical instrument kemendzes (Pontic lira), and the musician playing it usually stands in the center of the round dance.
Sirtaki – this world famous Greek dance is a combination of sirtos and pidictos dances. It was created specifically for the movie Zorba the Greek. The music for this popular dance was written by the great Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis. The main distinguishing feature of sirtaki is the acceleration of the rhythm: the dance begins with unhurried movements, which gradually become faster and more energetic.
Author of the article: Nina Teslenko
Greek dances - Greek Cultural Center in Moscow
C E H T P G 9ATHАКТИВ Н О С Т Ь - П О С Т О Я Н С Т В О - П About C L E O A A A A A A0036 Т ЕЛ Ь Н О С Т Ь - В ЕР H O C T B - P 9 ° Е Д А Н Н О С Т Ь Д E L Y!!!
TA H E Ц, Т А Н Е Ц И Е Щ Е P A K TA C -Greek Tanets !!!
ДЕТСКИЕ И ВЗРОСЛЫЕ ГРУППЫ
ТАНЦЫ ГРЕЧЕСКОГО МИРА – ОБНОВЛЕННОЕ РАСПИСАНИЕ
для ВЗ Р О С Л s x and E t HEY!!!
http://www.
hecucenter.ru/ru/greekdances/
http://www.hecucenter.ru/ru/greekdances/events/ http://www.hecucenter.ru/ru/greekdances/history/
https://www.instagram.com/greekdances_hcc/
https://instagram.com/greekvocal_hcc 900
https://www.facebook.com/Oxana.Rakcheeva.Korobko
Attached is a link to the section about dancing on our website GCC
http://www.hecucenter.ru/ru/greekdances/ zanyatiya_po_tancam_pri_gkc.html
Send your e-mail and skype addresses and we will register you!!!
Dear friends!
We are glad to inform you that from September 2022 at Greek Cultural Center (GCC) resumed classes in Greek folk dance groups GREEK WORLD ; new groups are opening for beginners - everyone, for children and adults .
We invite you to plunge into the world of traditional dances in total G river M ira!!!
Greek Cultural Center (GCC) is pleased to announce that for everyone who wants to get acquainted with the rich musical and dance traditions of the Greek World and learn how to dance the most popular national dances from different regions of mainland and island Greece, the land of Pontus, Asia Minor, Cappadocia, there are Greek folk dance groups , for children and adults, for both beginners and advanced ones who already have certain skills !!!
Everyone is given a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the rich musical and dance traditions of Greece and learn how to dance the most popular national dances from different regions of the country, with the further prospect of performing as part of the Dance Ensemble of the Greek Cultural Center - GCC .
Head of the Dance Team - Oksana Rakcheeva . Our repertoire includes more than 500 dances from insular and mainland Greece, Smyrna and Pontus. You will be able to immerse yourself in the richest traditional world of Greek dances and music, learning authentic dance performances from different regions from the original sources.
We invite everyone to join. Classes are held absolutely free of charge.
The schedule is attached below, classes start on September 10, 2022.
ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE!
ADDRESS and SCHEDULE :
| Location: Gymnasium "Ellada", st. Koshkina, d.6, metro station “Kashirskaya” | |||
| Level | Class days | Class times | Teacher / specialization |
| 1 year of study NEW SET - WRITE IN PROGRESS beginner level (adults + children) Beginning of classes - September 15, 2022 | Thursday | 19:00 - 20:00 | Oksana Rakcheeva/ Dances of the Greek World |
| 2nd year of study Continuation group (adults + children) Beginning of classes - September 15, 2022 | Thursday
| 20:00 - 21:00 | Oksana Rakcheeva/ Dances of the Greek World |
| Location: DANCE STUDIO, st. | |||
| Level | Class days | Class times | Teacher / specialization |
| Dance Group-Ensemble GCC Beginning of classes - September 10, 2022 | Saturday | 15:00 - 18:00 | Oksana Rakcheeva / dances of the Greek World |
Kedrova 14, building 1, m. "Akademicheskaya" / Beginning of classes - September 10, 2022
Read fully ..
Added: September 02, 2022 16:34
Greg hours E from C C C K. I Y K У Л Ь Т У Р Н Ы Й Ц E N T P - to C !!!
АКТ И В Н О С Т Ь - П O C T O I Н С Т В О - П О С Л Е D O in A T B 9ATH0035 О С Т Ь - В ЕР Н О С T b - P R E D A N N N N N N H0036 Н О С Т Ь Д Е Л У !!!
SUMMER CHRONICLE OF THE LIFE AND CREATIVITY OF THE GREEK CULTURAL CENTER – GCC
https://www.
instagram.com/greekdances_hcc/
https://www.facebook.com/Oxana.Rakcheeva.Korobko
9003
We are glad to present new summer cool videos from our guys from the Dance and Vocal Groups of the GCC ( artistic directors Oksana Rakcheeva and Inessa Efremidou, with the regular participation of our good friend, Greek musician Dimitrios Katsiuras).
Enjoy together!!!
Natalya Ratova, Oksana Rakcheeva (June 2022)
Zaybekiko under the piano version of the song πρώτη φορά = Time-first time (first execution 1969, Rena music: Mimis Plessas, lyrics: Lefteris Papadopoulos)
https://disk.yandex.ru/i/dqYH7xCeEJlfXQ
Read more.. Ы Й Ц Е Н Т Р - Г К C !!!
ACT B N 9036 9003 5 0036 С Т Ь - П О С Т О Я Н S T in O - P 9 ° C 9 ° C С С 033 Л
ТА Н Е Ц, Т А Н Е Ц I E W E R A K TA C - Greek Tanets !!!
Children and adults groups
Greek dancing - updated schedule
for 9003
We invite you to plunge into the world of traditional dances in total G river M ira!!!
Greek Cultural Center (GCC) is pleased to announce that for everyone who wants to get acquainted with the rich musical and dance traditions of the Greek World and learn how to dance the most popular national dances from different regions of mainland and island Greece, the land of Pontus, Asia Minor, Cappadocia.
there are groups of Greek folk dances , for children and adults, for both beginners and advanced ones who already have certain skills !!!
Read more..
Added: May 19, 2022 17:22
Dear friends, dear compatriots!
Victory Day, how far it was from us,
Like an ember was melting in an extinct fire.
There were miles, burned in the dust -
We brought this day as close as we could.
This Victory Day -
Smell of gunpowder.
It's a holiday
With gray hair at the temples.
This is joy
With tears in his eyes.
Victory Day! Victory Day! Victory Day!
- Day of our General Great Victory
9 μαΐου - ημεης μεγάλης μας μας
Specially on Victory Day, our dance team recorded the next video clip - P Esnya “βασιλικό να σου κ'I'οβα” - our friend from the island of Crete Vasilis performed by the famous Greek musician, bouzouki player, especially popular among the Hellenes and philhellenes of the Russian capital and our great friend Dimitris Katsiuras and soloist of the Vocal Collective GCC Natalia Ratova Added: March 10, 2022 10:30 Dear friends, On the occasion of International Women's Day March 8, Greek Cultural Center-GCC in Moscow to present a new video type specially prepared by by a dance with a dance group Greek Cultural Center - GCC under the artistic direction of Oksana Rakcheeva, in collaboration with a teacher seconded from Greece Efstafios Nikitopoulos Greek Cultural Center-GCC in Moscow is pleased to present a new video type specially prepared by with a dance team of the Greek Cultural Center-GCC under the artistic leadership of Oksana Rakcheeva, in cooperation with Greece by the teacher with an epistaphiis by the . Enjoy together!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQnf Added: Jan 28, 2022 2:45 pm The Greek Cultural Center dance group presents! New video - “We are going to dance and have fun in Greek!!! Πάμε πάμε στα μπουζούκια!"!!!! A completely new format in the study of Greek dances " Πάμε πάμε στα μπουζούκια!"!!!! Look out for the first issue very soon, for the World Greek Language Day! Learn Greek dances (and also the Greek language) with us! https : // WWW . facebook . com / HCCMoscow https :// www .
