Monday, August 9, 2010

Greek dancing


Last time I was in Athens I watched a dance performance given by the Dora Stratou Dance Theatre. This photo shows the tsamiko dance, one of the most popular in Greece. When performed for an audience, tsamiko is at first danced in a circle by men and women, followed by a solo performance given by the head male dancer while everyone else remains stationary. The solo involves a serious amount of jumping, hopping and twisting. I didn't take any videos at the time, but there are several in YouTube if you're interested. See here and here.

6 comments:

Lowell said...

I think you would have to be in very good physical condition to try that kind of dancing. I'd end up in the hospital emergency ward!

Tinsie said...

Indeed. You also have to be an experienced dancer and have a next-in-line with a VERY strong grip!

Anonymous said...

Surely breathing the ancient time. Great picture indeed. Please have a wonderful Tuesday.

p.s.: yes, that's me son, Stefan.

Halcyon said...

This sounds like an interesting show. I love all kinds of dance!

VP said...

I guess this is a quite spectacular dance...

Tinsie said...

@ Robert: I guess some of these dances have originated in ancient times, so you're probably correct :-)

@ Halcyon: Same here!

@ VP: It can be, if you're into acrobatics. Personally I prefer dances that are faster and involve the whole group, but they don't look as good in photos ;-)