Tsamiko

The Tsamiko (Greek: Τσάμικος, Tsamikos) is a popular traditional dance of Greece. The name literally means dance of the Chams. It is also known as Kleftikos (Greek: Κλέφτικος), literally meaning dance of the Klephts .

The dance

The dance follows a strict and slow tempo not emphasising on the steps, but more on the "attitude, style and grace" of the dancer. The dancers hold each other from each other's hands, bent 90 degrees upwards at the elbows. It takes a sturdy hand, especially if you are supporting the first or last person of the line (or circle) who will lean on you to perform high acrobatic leaps (usually kicking his right leg up as he takes off followed by the left (in a scissor-like motion), hitting the latter with the back of his hand before landing). The steps are relatively easy but have to be precise and strictly on beat. The dancer might even stomp his foot in response to a strong beat. There is some improvisation involved and many variations of the steps, depending on which area the dancers come from. Over time the dance has taken on many variations. It is danced in a circle to 3/4 rhythm. In the past, it was danced exclusively by men, but in modern times both men and women take part.

Tradition

Danced almost exclusively by men, this dance is strongly reminiscent of the 1821 era in Greek history.

Today Tsamiko is a popular dance in festivals and weddings, especially in the rural areas of Central Greece and Peloponnese, as well as Epirus periphery where a slower version is performed^[1]. Sometimes the dancers dress in the traditional Greek military uniform of the Evzones (Greek, Εύζωνοι). This dance is usually performed to celebrate national events (i.e. anniversary of the declaration of the start of Greek War of Independence in 1821).

See also

• Greek music
• Greek dances
• Syrtos
• Ballos
• Hasapiko
• Sirtaki
• Sousta

References

• M. and R. Schiel, Volkstänze aus Griechenland. Romiosini 1995.

1. ^ Hellander Paul, Armstrong Kate. Greece. Lonely Planet, 2006 ISBN 9781740597500, p. 67.

External links

• Tsamiko Dance Instructions
• Video of Tsamiko Performance in Herodium, Athens
• Video of dance festival in Tripolis, Peloponnesus