Where did Sirtaki dance come from?
Symbol of Greece and Greek culture. Sirtaki is loved not only by the indigenous inhabitants of the islands, this dance was also appreciated by tourists. This tune is not to be confused with any other. Her motif is recognizable far beyond the borders of Greece. The authorship belongs to the Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis.
The most famous melody does not leave anyone indifferent. The dancers claim that every movement of the fascinating choreographic masterpiece takes them to another reality. The surrounding people no longer confuse the actors, they bring their every movement to automatism, it is impossible to stop.
Origins and lineageSirtaki
The well-known dance did not originate at all during the life of the ancient Greeks. It was created in the 60s of the last century. It has become a true national tradition thanks to the movie Zorba the Greek directed by Michalis Kakoyannis. The dance is based on the idea of a slow beginning, a gradual unfolding of events and a swift finale. Such a principle, according to the mayor of Athens, who was in this post in the 1960s, is national trait Greeks.
Sirtaki is considered old dance butchers. Allegedly, it was with them that the director of the film "Zorba the Greek" spied on the main movements. But according to another version, the actor who was assigned to leading role, Anthony Quinn (Alexis Zorba), broke his leg right before filming began. To find a way out, a kind of dance was invented for him. His sliding movements began at a slow pace, but with the development of the motive, they rhythmically accelerated. This decision was presented to the director by composer Mikis Theodorakis, and Quinn came up with the name - Sirtaki, which was recognized and widely used.
In Crete, the Greek folk choreographic genre "sirtos" developed. It is believed that Quinn drew an analogy with him when he applied movements in his work as Zorb. He claimed that a local Greek taught him such body movements, and they forever crashed into the memory of the actor with their liveliness, beauty and originality.
According to the plot, written according to the book of the same name by Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba taught a guest from distant England - Basil, the famous Greek dance. Who would have thought that this particular motive and movement would become the national priority of the country, its calling card and a way to attract tourists from different countries peace.
According to another version, it is believed that the basis of sirtaki is not only sirtos, but also the original dance of khasaposerviko. His movements are sharper than in sirtos, and more like jumps. It is known that the director invited Quinn to work out quite famous dancer, but the actor could not learn the basic movements from the teacher, and could only perform the slow part of the sirtaki. This is also explained by the physical condition of the artist, namely, a broken leg. Quinn's understudy performs fast movements in the film. Some close-ups are Quinn's slow movements, but long shots are taken with a stunt double.
The hymn to the Greek soul, however, was going to be changed already at the stage of editing the film. But in last moment changed their minds. “There is nothing more accurate that would convey the foundations of Greek culture and the character of this people,” Kakoyannis wrote. A simple melody became the main thread of not only a brilliantly filmed movie, but also the main idea, the Greek essence.
Many historians and Greek scholars interpret the concept of "sirta" as touching a flat surface with their feet. Acceleration in the process of performing the dance speaks of the mastery of the choreographer. By the way, the performer of the role of Zorba, the American Queen, was awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Greece".
The essence of the sirtaki dance
Well-honed pas are performed in national Greek costumes. Such a decision is often typical for demonstrating national traditions to tourists. In everyday life, the Greeks, in order to show simple combinations of movements at festivities and celebrations, do not put on national clothes. Their attire is quite simple.
IN modern Greece each movement of the dance can no longer be attributed to its origins. In just half a century, so many variations have appeared that they cannot be counted. But the essence remained untouched:
Slow start.
Gradual speed up.
Rapid finale.
To this day, this choreographic ensemble is called the Zorba Dance. The Greeks love their hero and are happy to demonstrate their favorite movements. It is impossible to dance alone. This is a collective decision. An ideal combination when 10-15 people dance sirtaki. At first, they line up, showing smooth movements with their legs, but they can also merge into a circle. This is not forbidden. When characteristic movements shows even more people, they line up in several lines, then forming a couple of circles.
An obligatory ritual is to put your hands on the shoulders of a neighbor during the dance, and touch his torso with him. Legs with a fellow never intersect. Don't untie your hands. This contradicts the main idea of sirtaki. The ideal option a dance is considered when the legs of the dancers rise and glide smoothly, synchronously, keeping up with the music not a beat.
Smooth movements are in the trinity:
Half-squat.
The crossed zigzag movement, especially when the dancers move in a circle, makes a lasting impression on the audience. The music is in four quarters. But during the period of increasing tempo, it turns into 2/4. In this rhythm, it is easier to jump and move faster.
Folk masterpieces
In the summer of 2012 in Volos, as a result of a planned action, more than 5,500 Greeks, aged from 13 to 90, lined up in a kind of sirtaki round dance. It was another record for the Guinness book under the light of the moon, which became the only one in the world in terms of scale and number of participants. The choreographic steps lasted exactly 5 minutes, and the dancers were the inhabitants of Volos, Athens, Thessaloniki, Larissa, Trikala, and the islanders. The Greek synchronized swimming team also joined.
Greeks never betray their national traditions. Each festival or celebration is accompanied by collective pas. For tourists, this is another page in Greek culture. It is so original that there are no analogues in the world. The melody itself has won fans all over the world. Now, when people hear the incendiary motif of sirtaki, associations arise only with Greece.
Almost all the scenes of Zorba the Greek were filmed in Crete. The famous island has always been very popular with tourists. It is the largest island in the Greek Republic. Almost every tourist who arrives in Crete tends to come to the city of Rethymno. It is located in the northern part of Crete and, in truth, is considered the most beautiful of the cities. The port was built by the Italians.
From legend to legend
Crete is filled with legends. It is believed that Zeus, the lord of the gods, was born on this island. That is why Dikti cave is popular among tourists. In it, taking the form of an ox, Zeus hid the stolen Europe from prying eyes. And Ariadne has been here. Her glomerulus paved the way for Theseus from the intricate passages of the labyrinth, where the well-known Minotaur lived.
But what about sirtaki? What else is connected with him here, except for the movie being shot? Friendly Greeks will never deny the cultural traditions of other peoples, but they also cherish their own no less than representatives of other nationalities. Distinctive feature Greeks - daily following folk customs. They used to greet each other noisily and talk loudly in the street. In this they are somewhat similar to the Italians.
But at the same time, the inhabitants of Crete and Greece, in general, are quite calm and absolutely naive. Their measured life is so reminiscent of the same sirtaki. Slow, smooth movements, waddle, slowly. But when you need to hurry up or show respect to a neighbor, here they resemble a fly during the flight.
These people speak quietly in everyday life, but sometimes everything around turns pale from the noise of their voices. They are full of emotions, gesticulating. This pace smoothly replaces their philosophical, contemplative attitude to life.
At about 2 pm, the Greeks begin their traditional rest. Siesta lasts 3-4 hours. During this period, they eat and sleep, and then they no longer go to work. In the evening they gather in taverns, where they listen to pleasant music, drink soft or even strong drinks and, in a fit of emotions, dance. What would you think? Of course sirtaki. Collective choreographic steps cannot be stopped.
The most interesting sights of Crete are within a few steps or kilometers from the hotels. Transport goes well. There are fishing villages here, visiting which no tourist will be dissatisfied. Almost every city has churches, fortresses, museums and even mosques. In the evening, when young people fill the taverns, it becomes quite fun, and everyone dances the incendiary sirtaki.
Sirtaki and bouzouki
Bouzouki is folk string instrument Greeks. It is very similar to the lute. Bouzouki is much older modern dance sirtaki. The roots of the instrument are in distant ancient Greece. It comes from cithara. Most of all, the bouzouki is widespread in Cyprus, although it is popular throughout Greece.
It used to be played on three-string double or even triple bouzouki. But now the instrument is more often four-stringed (each of the strings is double). It was revived just at the time of the appearance of sirtaki, in the 60s of the last century. For a long time Bouzouki was not recognized, but only in combination with the well-known dance did it gain new popularity. Now sirtaki is already impossible to imagine without the accompaniment of colorful, rich tones of a string-plucked instrument.
On this Greek cultural traditions do not end. The perfect combination of sirtaki and bouzouki is only gaining momentum. Representatives of this nationality are very revered fun. Even in times of crisis, the Greeks came up with a saying: "Poverty loves to have fun." They don't drink much alcohol. The performance of sirtaki is considered an excellent doping. He is the main component of the cocktail of fun.
Bouzouki and other colorful national sights of Greece can be easily seen everywhere. The fun unfolds closer to the night. Going into any of the bars, where it is advisable to book places in advance, tourists can enjoy melodies performed on bouzouki. There are night centers and taverns.
Tourists will hear not only national motives. You will get acquainted with Italian and Turkish songs and dances. Programs in bars and entertainment centers different. Sounds modern and folk music. In the summer of 2015, Greece celebrated the 90th anniversary of its national hero, composer Mikis Theodorakis. Recall that the well-known melody of sirtaki belongs to him. Among other things, symphonies performed by orchestras, ballets, arrangements folk motives, chamber works.
In the bars and taverns of Greece, you can also see excursions, including quite young people. Of course, they explore all the sights accompanied by a guide and their school teachers. Tourists do not drink alcohol, they come to see the dancing sirtaki and are not averse to participating in it themselves.
During music program the tradition of showering guests with flowers has become widespread in Greece. Its roots are in ancient festivities and festivities. If you really liked the performer, or if there is a person in the company whom you would like to shower with flowers, you can buy a tray with carnation buds.
When visiting such establishments for local residents and tourists, there is no dress code. Even the well-known sirtaki dance is danced without changing into national costumes.
Sirtaki is a dance Greek origin but at the same time it is not popular. This is a unique action, which has no equal even among the brightest. Firstly, sirtaki arose quickly and spontaneously, and immediately conquered the whole world. This is the dance of the film - after the release of the film "Zorba the Greek", the world learned about sirtaki, and people quickly picked up its rhythm. Secondly, sirtaki is perhaps the only dance that can be performed maximum amount of people. The more performers there are in the dance, the more spectacular it becomes.
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Photo gallery: Sirtaki dance - the spirit of Greece in your home
The history of sirtaki dance
Sirtaki is a rather young Greek dance. It consists of fast slow movements ancient Greek warrior dance hasapiko, and was invented in 1964 for the filming of the film Zorba the Greek. After the broadcast of the picture in many countries of the world, the views of the audience were riveted to this extraordinary and funny action. So the new trend began to be associated with Greece. Sirtaki's movements were created by choreographer Yorgos Provias and composed by composer Mikis Theodorakis.
The history of the name and one of the main movements of this dance is very funny. In the film "Zorba the Greek" starring American actor Anthony Quinn. Filming of the scene when his character Zorb was supposed to teach Basil to dance on the beach was scheduled for the last day. But the day before, Quinn broke his leg. Filming had to be postponed until the day when the actor could do without a cast. Because Anthony Quinn was still banned from jumping and jerky movements prescribed in the script, the actor found an unusual solution to the problem. Promising director Michalis Kokoyannis to handle the scene, Quinn came up with a sand-sliding motion, which he completed with raised arms.
When Kokoyannis asked the actor what kind of dance he was performing, Quinn joked that it was the folk Greek dance sirtaki, which he was taught by one of the representatives of the local population. The name "sirtaki" came to his mind by analogy with the Cretan dance sirtos. By the way, it is his steps that are present in modern sirtaki.
Video of greek dance sirtaki
Everyone who has ever tried to dance sirtaki says that in the process of performing a person completely forgets about the environment and simply enjoys the movements to the music, brought to automatism. A beautiful action can be conditionally divided into two parts: the first is slower and calmer, the second is already beginning to accelerate both in melody and in movements. This is explained quite simply. As we have already mentioned, Quinn broke his leg and the first dance scenes were filmed when he could not yet make confident movements. The second half of the sirtaki dance was already filmed at a time when the actor was moving freely and nothing bothered him. Accordingly, all movements began to be performed at a faster pace. Here we can already notice both jumps and light jumps in the process of dancing.
Nowadays, quite often you can meet sirtaki performers in national Greek costumes. One gets the impression that sirtaki is a folk Greek dance, but it is not. It's just that the dressing up of the dancers serves as a presentation of the culture of Greece beyond its borders.
Since sirtaki has existed for more than half a century, several variations of it have appeared, but main feature remained unchanged - this is a slow start and a gradual acceleration of the pace. Sirtaki is a group dance, and people standing in one line or forming a circle perform it. If there are a lot of people who want to dance, then it is acceptable to create several lines of dancers.
Sirtaki dance training
Hands during the performance of sirtaki are always placed on the shoulders of neighboring dancers from both sides. The upper parts of the dancers' bodies should be in contact with each other. well and basic movements performed only with the help of the legs. The steps must be well learned and brought to automatism so that they are performed synchronously and simultaneously. In addition, dancers are required to watch their hands, since during the action it is unacceptable to break the line.
The main movements of sirtaki are called as follows:
- Attached steps.
- Lunges, or as they are called in the common people - half-squats.
- "Zigzag".
The most interesting and spectacular is the zigzag movement. It is performed as follows: the dancers stand in one line and put their hands on the shoulders of their neighbors. Then they, moving in a circle or from side to side, seem to cross their legs in the process of rapid movement (running).
Video lesson sirtaki
It is not difficult to learn how to dance sirtaki at an amateur level. A lot of tourists can confirm this, because they themselves are often participants in this dance during their holidays in Greece or just while traveling around Crete.
It's actually enough to learn basic steps that we mentioned above. An experienced performer, as a rule, is placed on the extreme right, so that he loudly commands what movement should be performed next. And already less experienced and beginners follow him. If we are talking about sirtaki on stage, here the performers simply memorize combinations of basic movements, and bring them to automatism so that the action is as synchronized as possible.
Sirtaki lessons (watch the video) are in demand today. You can also learn the basics at home, and then polish your performance with your friends in a group.
If you don't know how to entertain guests at your birthday or any other celebration, show them a few sirtaki moves, turn on the melody of a Greek dance - and good mood guaranteed for you and your guests!
Dance is an opportunity to express your soul in plastic. Movements, postures of the performer tell about his feelings and experiences. Folk dance is the ancestor of all other types of this art. Each locality has its own rhythms, movements, postures, costumes, and so on. Greek dances in their homeland are so popular that they are danced even in discos. They are even taught to tourists who have come to rest.
Greek dances
Let's get to know them better. Greek dances are very similar to Romanian, Ukrainian and Moldovan ones. They are popular not only among the representatives of this people themselves, but also in many other countries they dance with pleasure. Greek music and dance are studied in many European and American universities. And they are even performed live by ensembles using bouzouki. It's Greek folk instrument, similar to a mandolin, which can be easily combined with any other: accordion, guitar, piano, and so on. Its sound is modest and languid. In Greece, there was a huge number of dances - more than 200. They were divided into 5 groups: ritual, sacred (performed during sacrifices), stage, domestic and civil (they were danced at public holidays). IN Ancient Greece dance was considered a gift from the Gods, which combines spiritual and physical beauty. The muse of Terpsichore is designed to teach the soul and body to combine correctly with each other.
The world knows the following Greek dances (names):
- Sirtaki.
- Sirtos.
- Hasapiko.
- Zeibekiko.
- Karagun.
- Kleftikos.
- Hora.
- Kalamathianos.
- Tsamikos.
- Lazos.
- Styakos.
- Mikraki.
- Sulfur.
- Anoyanos.
- Klistos.
- Trizali.
- Adichristos.
- Rumatiani.
- Omal.
- Zervodexos.
- Rembetiko.
- Susta.
- Trigon.
- Apanomeritis.
- Bustle.
- Pidichthos.
- Hasaposervicos.
- Angalhastos.
- Zoradicos.
- Angalhastos.
- Tsifteteli.
- Katsipadyanos.
- Pedozalis.
- Prignotis.
- Ballos.
- Prignanos.
- Kalon cinnamon.
- Tsakonikos.
- Koftos.
- One hundred tria.
- Karsimalas.
- Pogonysios.
- Kotsari.
- Tsifteteli.
- Heraklioniko Kastrino Maleviziotis.
- Ciganos.
- Tsamikos.
- Kalamathianos.
And others.
Sirtaki
The most famous and popular Greek dance is sirtaki. However, it is not at all popular and exists not so long ago. It was created in 1964. The music was composed by Mykos Theodorakis. It was used in Hollywood movie"Greek Zorbas".
Greek dance sirtaki is a mixture of sirtos and hasapiko. It combines various movements: slow and fast, sharp and smooth, sliding legs without leaving the floor and jumping. Today sirtaki is a tourist brand and is performed all over the world. The name of the dance was coined by actor Anthony Quinn, who starred in the film Zorbas the Greek. Perhaps it diminutive form from the name of the Greek folk dance Sirtos.
They dance sirtaki in a group. The performers stand in a line, and sometimes in a circle. The outstretched arms of the dancers are placed on the shoulders of the neighbors on the right and left. The pace is slow at first with a gradual increase. As the dance progresses, the time signature changes from 4/4 to 2/4. Sometimes sirtaki include jumping. This dance is also called Zorbas. His movements are simple, but when the pace becomes fast, the steps are difficult and dexterity and practice are needed to keep up with them. Sirtaki is taught in all dance schools peace.
Hasapiko
The Greek hasapiko dance is similar to the Romanian chora and Russian Cossack dances. This is one of the most basic and ancient rhythms. It originated in the Byzantine era. The name translates as "butcher's dance". Hasapikos originated in Constantinople. Butchers lived in the area where he appeared. Hasapikos is always sung to the accompaniment of singing. Initially, this dance was performed with weapons. The performers standing in the first row held sticks, knives and whips in their hands, in the second row - swords.
A group of men and women dances hasapiko. There is no soloist in this dance. In the past, men danced the hasapiko wearing a cap with the visor up. There are several varieties of this dance: politico, vari-argo and khasaposerviko. It is believed that hasapiko is a warrior dance. It was performed by selected units. The movements were very simple, depicting a warrior entering the battlefield, who fights with the enemy and wins. Hasapiko was also used to ensure that the soldiers learned to move silently.
Zeibekikos
This Greek folk dance originated in ancient Thrace. Its name comes from the name of the soldiers - zembekid. Their descendants came to Greece after the disaster and brought with them this ancient ancestral dance. Only men performed zeibekikos. It's the only one known to the world solo Greek dance. The steps in it are always built on improvisations. The performer has the opportunity to express himself. The zeibekikos dance in ancient times was accompanied by a demonstration of weapons.
Sirtos
Many Greek dances are based on one of the main rhythms - sirtos. He is the oldest. It is performed by groups, mainly on wedding celebrations. The word "sirtos" is translated as "pull, crawl."
Karaguna
There are some Greek dances that are performed exclusively by women. For example, karaguna. In most cases, only representatives of the beautiful half of humanity dance it. Although in some Greek communities they are performed by mixed groups. The name "karaguna" is translated as "black coat". This word was used for farmers from the Thessalian plains. For what reason they got such a nickname is unknown, since they never went in black coats. The dance begins at a fast pace and gradually develops into a sirtos towards the end.
Other dances
Kleftikos - partisan dance. It was used for recreation as well as for military training. The name comes from the word "klefty", that is, "partisans". This dance originated in ancient times - in the era when the Greeks were fighting the Ottoman Empire.
Kalamathianos is one of the most popular in Greece. This is a type of sirtos. This dance was performed to songs. Most of them sang about the city of Kalamata, from which the name came.
Tsamikos - this dance has many variations. In different parts of Greece, it is performed in their own way. The movements of the dance, its style, form, spiritual component - reflect the habits and characters of the inhabitants of each locality.
Sirtaki is such a popular Greek dance that many consider it a folk dance. However, its origin is very unusual. This dance was not inherited from ancient times and was not passed down from generation to generation. Sirtaki was invented not so long ago - when the film "Zorba the Greek" (1964) was filmed in Greece. In one of the episodes of the film main character named Zorba - played by the famous American actor Anthony Quinn - danced to incendiary music: at first it sounded slowly, but gradually became faster and faster.
Sirtaki is also called the "Zorba dance". Musical accompaniment the dance was written by the Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis. Very soon, everyone loved this music so much that the dance entered Greek folklore, along with folk dances. The word sirtaki itself is a diminutive of the Greek "syrtos", denoting several Cretan folk dances.
Sirtaki contains elements of sirtos and another Cretan folk dance - pidikhtos, lively and rhythmic. Indeed, sirtaki begins, like sirtos, slowly, and then gradually becomes more and more lively and energetic. Several people dance sirtaki, who join hands, as in a round dance, or put their hands on the shoulders of the neighbors on the left and right. They start with slow, smooth movements and gradually move on to fast and sharp ones, sometimes with jumps and jerks.
In the vocabulary of culture and art, there are many terms and words that have come to us from other languages. Among them, one can name the word "sirtaki". What is "sirtaki"? Where did this word come from? This is what we will talk about today.
Sirtaki as a term in art
This word came to us from Greece as the name of the national group Greek dance. In Greek, the word means "to touch". The dance is characterized by a gradual increase in tempo from slow and calm to very moving. This business card Greek culture.
Sirtaki: history
Many mistakenly classify the sirtaki dance as an ancient folk dance. However, you will be surprised to learn that this dance is not at all folk, but quite authorial. And its author is movie actor Anthony Quinn.
The second surprise for you will be that this dance is not originally Greek at all, but American, since Quinn is not a Greek, but an American, filmed in 1964 by the Greek director Michallis Kakkoyannis. True, the film dealt with the Greek theme. And the actor had to perform a Greek folk dance by the sea. But Quinn broke his leg, and it was not only difficult for him to dance a fast Greek dance - it was impossible. Here he came up with new dance based on the simple rhythmic movements of Greek folk dances to its own slow version. The film was filmed for a long time. During filming, Quinn's leg healed. And he was already able to perform the second part of the dance quickly. The music for the sirtaki Kuina dance was also written specifically in connection with the need. It was written for Zorba the Greek by the Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis.
But what about the director, did he really not know that similar dance does not exist? Apparently, Kakkoyannis was very trusting, as he believed the arguments of the actor, who said that he was told about this dance locals. Didn’t he really double-check with them what sirtaki is, is there really such a dance in culture Greek people? It is possible that we will never find the answer to this question.
By the way, about the name of the dance. And it is attributed to Quinn's fantasy: supposedly this is a "small" (reduced) version of the traditional Cretan dance sirtos.
Sirtaki: performance technique
Most often, the sirtaki dance is performed by a group of people standing in one line and holding arms outstretched over the shoulders of their neighbors. It happens that part of the dance is performed in a circle, but, as a rule, this is an exception. In the case of participation in the dance of a large number of people, the dancers are arranged in several lines.
The dance is performed only with the feet, while the bodies and arms of the dancing sirtaki remain motionless. With the help of a strong grip of the hands, the dancers maintain the line of dance.
The rhythm of the dance is clear, in four quarters, and with a fast one - in two quarters. The legs perform movements absolutely synchronously: the traditional zigzag cross step, side steps, squats and half squats, lunges. If we analyze the features of the movements used in the dance, the Greeks noticed that in the first part of the sirtaki dance, the traditional movements of the Cretan folk dance group sirtos were used, and in the second - fast part - elements of another group of Cretan dances - pidikhtos, including jumps and jumps.
In order to hear the rhythm of the dance well during the performance, the dancing sirtaki put on special hard-soled sandals on their feet.
Types of modern sirtaki
One of the most common variants of sirtaki in modern Greece was born on the basis of the Athenian hasapiko dance. What do hasapiko and sirtaki have in common? First, the music. Secondly, the linear form of dance. True, both dances do not involve the arrangement of a large number of people in one line. There should be no more than three. If there are more dancers, then they line up parallel lines. Thirdly, a whole range of movements, especially similar in the fast part of the dance.
There is a version that hasapiko was previously a military dance. It was used as a pantomime to prepare for combat and to teach silent combat, such as approaching an enemy. And also conveyed the features of the battle by the Greeks.
The second version of sirtaki is zorbas, which does not consist of two parts, but of three or four. All parts are characterized by a change in rhythm and tempo. In the slow part, the movements are similar to sirtaki, and in the fast part, to hasapiko. Moreover, the movements during the dance can be changed and combined by the dancers improvisationally, by transferring the “impulse” to the neighbors with their shoulders: after all, their bodies are tightly pressed against each other.
There is another dance that is very reminiscent of sirtaki - naftiko. It is danced by Greek sailors, and it is very reminiscent of the Russian apple. The original dance for naftiko was the ancient folk dance Makkelarikos, from which the Hasapiko dance later grew.
Sirtaki today
What is sirtaki for the Greeks now? Now the Greeks like this dance so much that they consider it equal to other national dances. traditional dances and dance it with pleasure at the holidays. Photos of sirtaki are presented in the article.
When you need to introduce guests to Greek culture, it is performed in Greek national costumes.
Today there is a large number of variants of the sirtaki. The Greeks call the author of the dance the Honorary Greek, and his dance is the dance of Zorba. And sirtaki are danced not only in Greece, but also in many countries of the world. For example, in the USA back in the late 1960s, sirtaki were performed in a number of nightclubs. And in Russia, sirtaki is one of the the brightest numbers ballet theaters and dance ensembles, for example, the Moiseev Ensemble, the Gzhel Dance Theater.
So what is sirtaki? For some this amazing phenomenon dance culture XX century, which captured the whole world with its energy. For others, it is a way of ethnic self-identification. For the third - the opportunity to find like-minded people and share with them the positive charge received from the joint rejection of surrounding reality and absolute immersion in the enveloping rhythm of the dance. And what is sirtaki for you?
