Tsamiko

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 .

Contents

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

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



Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Music of Greece — General topics Ancient Byzantine Néo kýma Polyphonic song Genres Entehno …   Wikipedia

  • Hasapiko — Music of Greece General topics Ancient • Byzantine • Néo kýma • Polyphonic song Genres Entehno • Dimotika • Hip hop • Laïko • …   Wikipedia

  • Omal — Music of Greece General topics Ancient • Byzantine • Néo kýma • Polyphonic song Genres Entehno • Dimotika • Hip hop • Laïko • …   Wikipedia

  • Horon (dance) — Music of Greece General topics Ancient • Byzantine • Néo kýma • Polyphonic song Genres Entehno • Dimotika • Hip hop • Laïko • …   Wikipedia

  • Greek dances — God Pan and a Maenad dancing. Ancient Greek red figured olpe from Apulia, ca. 320–310 BCE. Pan s right hand fingers are in a snapping position. Greek dance is a very old tradition, being referred to by authors such as Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch… …   Wikipedia

  • Tsifteteli — The Tsifteteli (Greek: τσιφτετέλι, Turkish: Çiftetelli), is a rhythm and dance of Anatolia and the Balkans with a rhythmic pattern of 2/4.[1] The dance is probably of Turkish origin and in the Turkish language it means double stringed , taken… …   Wikipedia

  • Dance of Osman Taka — The Dance of Osman Taka (Albanian: Vallja Came e Osman Takës, Greek: Ο χορός του Οσμάν Τάκα, or Σαμαντάκα), is a popular traditional dance of Cham Albanians, which has become widely known in Albania and Greece. The Dance is linked with Osman Taka …   Wikipedia

  • Music of Turkey — Turkish music redirects here. For the musical style used by European composers of Classical music, see Turkish music (style). Music of Turkey General topics Ottoman military bands …   Wikipedia

  • Romani music — Romani musicians at a wedding in the Czech Republic in 2005 Romani music (often referred to as Gypsy or Gipsy music, which, in other contexts, is considered a derogatory term) is the music of the Romani people, who have their origins in Northern… …   Wikipedia

  • Music of Croatia — Part of a series on the Culture of Croatia Timeline …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”