Mainland
Macedonia
Macedonia became a part of Greece in 1913. Macedonia is located in Northern Greece butting numerous other Balkan state, which have had their influence on the dances of this region. Bulgaria most notably has made a mark in some of the characteristics in the dances and music of this area. Macedonian dances can range from being fast and lig
Macedonia became a part of Greece in 1913. Macedonia is located in Northern Greece butting numerous other Balkan state, which have had their influence on the dances of this region. Bulgaria most notably has made a mark in some of the characteristics in the dances and music of this area. Macedonian dances can range from being fast and light-hearted to heroic and slow in tempo. Instrumentation includes gaida, daouli, klarino, and karamoudza.
Dances:
- Syrtos Makedonias
- Makedonikos Antikristo
- Baidouska
- Partalos
- Kastorianos
- Mikri Eleni
- Ta Paidia tis Samarinas
- Tis Marias
- Gaida
- Baidouskino
- Stankena
- Levantikos
- Karapatakikos
Thrace
Western Thrace was reunited with Greece in 1923. Eastern Thrace is located both in Turkey and Bulgaria. Thracian dances tend to be lively and generally allow for less improvisation by the leader. They are also known for their numerous variations in hand holds. Thracian music is characterized by the gaida, lyra, klarino, and defi.
Western Thrace was reunited with Greece in 1923. Eastern Thrace is located both in Turkey and Bulgaria. Thracian dances tend to be lively and generally allow for less improvisation by the leader. They are also known for their numerous variations in hand holds. Thracian music is characterized by the gaida, lyra, klarino, and defi.
Dances:
- Zonaradikos
- Kastrinos
- Sfarlis
- Syngathistos
- Tripati
- Baidouska
- Stris
- Pappisiois (Ant' Aman Palikari)
- Mikros Aravoniastika
- Gigna
- Yiannis-Yiannakis
Peloponnesos
The revolution of 1821 emanated from Kalamata, thus making this region the original and oldest part of Modern Greece. Its topography is of course mountainous, but its southern location lends to lighter costumes that are brighter in color. Peloponnesian music is played by the klarino, karamoudza, daouli, and laouto.
Dances:
- Kalamatianos
- Tsakonikos
- Klistos
- Tsamikos
Epirus
Epirus became a formal part of Greece in 1913. It is located in the northwest corner of Greece, and its topography consists of mountainous terrain, necessitating heavy garments and shoes. Dances from Epirus are slow and heavy, but are danced with much pride and dignity. Epirus' music is characterized by the clarinet, laouto, and daouli.
Epirus became a formal part of Greece in 1913. It is located in the northwest corner of Greece, and its topography consists of mountainous terrain, necessitating heavy garments and shoes. Dances from Epirus are slow and heavy, but are danced with much pride and dignity. Epirus' music is characterized by the clarinet, laouto, and daouli. It should be noted that the female costume pictured is from Karagouni, Thessaly, and the male costume is from Epirus.
Dances:
- Sta Tria
- Sta dio
- Tsamikos
- Zagorisios
- Menousis
- Koftos
- Fisouni
- Yiatros
Thessaly / Mainland
Thessaly / Mainland
Thessaly became apart of Modern Greece in 1881. Thessalian dances are known for the dancer singing, often with musical accompaniment. The dances are characteristically slow and controlled. Instrumentation includes klarino, daouli, laouto.
Dances:
- Sta Tria
- Klistos
- Karagouna
- Svarniara
- Pilioritikos
- Arvanitovlahiko
Islands
Aegean Islands
Dances from the Aegean Islands are generally lighthearted and pleasant in disposition. As with other island regions, the dances are characterized by light steps and a rhythmical bending of the knees, thus creating a look of the waves of the sea. Instrumentation includes violi, santouri, klarino, lavouto. Select the images on the left to
Dances from the Aegean Islands are generally lighthearted and pleasant in disposition. As with other island regions, the dances are characterized by light steps and a rhythmical bending of the knees, thus creating a look of the waves of the sea. Instrumentation includes violi, santouri, klarino, lavouto. Select the images on the left to enlarge them. The first image costume emanates from the island of Paros. The second image the male costume is from the island of Samos and the female costume featured is from Chios.
Dances:
- Ballos
- Syrtos
- Stavrotos
- Ikariotikos
- Ageranos
- Nikedres
Dodecanese Islands
The Dodecanese Islands became apart of Greece in 1948. Their music is also characteristically lighthearted, but has been influenced by the Venetians and the immigrated Cretans who fled Turkish Occupation. The instruments commonly heard in their music are santouri, violi, klarino, lavouto.
Dances:
- Syrto
- Ballos
- Issos
- Sousta Rodou
- Trata
- Argos Nisirou
- Pidixtos
- Sousta Simis
Ionian Islands
Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are also commonly known as "Eptanisa", which translated to English means "seven islands." The neighboring Italians have left their mark on these islands, as is evidenced by the music and the flirtatiousness of the dances. Instrumentation includes violi, klarino, lavouto.
Dances:
- Ai Yiorgis
- Ballos
- Rouga
- Tsirigiotikos
- Messi
The Ionian Islands are also commonly known as "Eptanisa", which translated to English means "seven islands." The neighboring Italians have left their mark on these islands, as is evidenced by the music and the flirtatiousness of the dances. Instrumentation includes violi, klarino, lavouto.
Dances:
- Ai Yiorgis
- Ballos
- Rouga
- Tsirigiotikos
- Messiotikos
- Levantinikos
- Thiakos
- Korakianitikos
- Kokkino Spaleto
- Divaratikos
Crete
Ionian Islands
Crete united with Greece in 1913. This island's people are historically known for their heroism and bravery. Their music is distinctively fast and their steps are small and controlled. The Cretan lyra is the principal instrument and is typically accompanied by violi and lavouto.
Dances:
- Pentozali
- Malevisiotikos
- Haniotikos
- Laziotikos
- Sousta
Cyprus
Cyprus
Although not part of Greece, the majority of this island's population is of Greek origin, with similar language, culture, and traditions. The music and dances of Cyprus are quite unique. Cypriot musical instrumentation consists of violi, lavouto, bouzouki, baglamas.
Dances:
- Antikristos
- Men's Karsilamas
- Women's Karsilamas
- Syrtos
- Zeimbekikos
- Datsia
- Sousta
- Drepani
- Hasapikoi