Dance
The Dance program offers a diverse introduction to the various dance styles that have evolved over time, ancient and modern, reflecting
changes in Greek musical traditions. Each specific era will be explored
with most lessons being conducted by professional dance instructors.
All participants will be given the opportunity to practice the
various dance techniques and learn to associate particular music with
the corresponding dance form. The objective is to experience the pulse
and joy of Greek dancing, such as: Kalamatiano, Xasapiko,
Hasaposerviko, sirtaki and more. Day 2 –Tuesday 9:00 – 09:15:
Those participants who have chosen one of our affiliated hotels will be picked up at their respective hotels for transfer to the Dance School located at Alexander Metaxa no. 7 in Glyfada. Other participants need to get to the location on their own.
Classes start at 09:30.
09:30 – 12:30:
The morning hours will be devoted to a general introduction to the history of Greek dance. We will then focus on various distinct dance styles, specifically:
Session 1.
"Xasapiko" is a dance which originated in Costantinopla, a dance form which some you may remember from the moview Zorba the Greek.
Session 2.
"Xasaposerviko" is similar to Xasapiko but the steps are faster and more lively.
Session 3.
“Kalamatianos" originated in Peloponnese, the southernmost region in Greece. Characteristic for this dance form is the counter clockwise rotation with the dancers holding hands.It is a very popular folk dance which is practiced in both Greece and Cyprus and performed internationally as well. It is believed to have acquired the name kalamatianos from the town of Kalamata in Peloponnese.
There will be a 15 minute break after sessions 1 and 2.
12:30 – 13:30: Lunch. There are many different restaurants within walking distance from the academy. However, we hope that most of you will join us at a chosen restaurant where we can share food and experiences from the morning sessions.
13:30 – 15:30: The afternoon session will introduce the fourth dance style and finally a review of all the dances covered during the day.
Session 4.
The Greek islands have produced their own distinct dance forms and we have chosen to feature the "Cyrtos", from the islands of Kiklades and Crete.
There will be a 15 minute break before the final review.
15:30: Bus pickup at the academy for transfer back to hotels.