People erroneously think Greek Dance is synonymous with what we refer to as "belly dancing" (a name contrived by the Chicago World's Fair in the late 1800's for a form of dance from Asia known known as Chinese Dance)
Although the form spread throughout the Middle East its origins were in Egypt and "belly-dancing" is primarily found in Lebanon and Turkey.
The true Greek Dance is known as Sirtaki.
The music traditionally performed on a Bouzuki.
https://youtu.be/GTFjKnzLeSg
Several examples of traditional Greek Music can be found here.
https://youtu.be/PJg8v8IwNtk
Sirtaki (συρτάκι) a form of Greek folk dance was showcased in the 1964 film Zorba the Greek and is often, now, referred to as Zorba's Dance.
Its name means The Drag Dance...combining extremely slow movements with the pidichotos style (referred to as a hop dance) It is traditionally done in a line or a circle with one dancer's arm across the top of the other's shoulder.
Sirtaki
https://youtu.be/YLLiaexmPVo
Audience participation generally involves clapping or stamping one's feet. At first the dance starts very slowly...building faster and faster as it progresses.
Sirtaki originated in The Middle Ages from a form of dance known as hasapiko
or "The Butcher's Dance" and was performed with swords as a preparation before battle.
https://youtu.be/B3EdjfUgfiU
The Warrior's Song
Sparta
And a happy coincidence, for three days running Indianapolis is hosting its Annual Greek-Fest!
Greek Food, Music and Dance and Culture.
http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/dining/2014/08/22/greekfest/14445001/
Hope to glean some amazing recipes!
More anon!
