Greece is one of the few countries in the world where the folk dances are as alive today as they were in ancient times. Dance has always played an important role in the life of a Greek. It is an expression of human feelings and everyday life.
The Greeks danced at religious festivals, ceremonies; they danced to ensure fertility; they danced to prepare for war and to celebrate victories; they danced at weddings; they danced to overcome depression and to cure physical illness.
Almost every dance has a story to tell.
The islands offer joyous dances, graceful, flirtatious with a “watery” flow to them.
The rugged mountainous and steep gorges impose heavy garments and boots, so the dances tend to be slow, heavy and danced with immense dignity. In the fertile plains of Thessalia, dances are slow and controlled and a strong physique is necessary. In Northern Greece, dances become thrilling, boisterous, lively and very sharp.
My friend Ageliki (the very first one dancing!) with her dancing group are dancing the “Kageli”, from Greece’s mainland. “Kageli” in the local dialect means joyful announcement and people used to dance it during celebrations that gathered the whole village together. It starts with a slow and controlled tempo and becomes more lively.
Happy birthday Agelikoula! Enjoy!
The Greeks danced at religious festivals, ceremonies; they danced to ensure fertility; they danced to prepare for war and to celebrate victories; they danced at weddings; they danced to overcome depression and to cure physical illness.
Almost every dance has a story to tell.
The islands offer joyous dances, graceful, flirtatious with a “watery” flow to them.
The rugged mountainous and steep gorges impose heavy garments and boots, so the dances tend to be slow, heavy and danced with immense dignity. In the fertile plains of Thessalia, dances are slow and controlled and a strong physique is necessary. In Northern Greece, dances become thrilling, boisterous, lively and very sharp.
My friend Ageliki (the very first one dancing!) with her dancing group are dancing the “Kageli”, from Greece’s mainland. “Kageli” in the local dialect means joyful announcement and people used to dance it during celebrations that gathered the whole village together. It starts with a slow and controlled tempo and becomes more lively.
Happy birthday Agelikoula! Enjoy!
Thank you!!!
ReplyDelete