In the Name of Eros: Traditional Greek Dances

The paintings are from William-Adolphe Bouguereau, mostly on Eros and Psyche. The song is EΛA NA PAME Σ'ENA MEPOΣ - Ela Na Pame S'ena Meros (Come let's go to a place) from Giannis Parios (ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΠΑΡΙΟΣ), usually danced as a Sousta.


The video starts with a quote from Zorba. The writing of Kazantzakis is perhaps the most spiritual I have read. His struggle to make sense of the divine as a faulty human being brings out extraordinary quotes like 'I said to the almond tree, ''Friend, speak to me of God,'' and the almond tree blossomed.'

Dance, for Kazantzakis was a means of communication. When Zorba met the Russian, they could not speak the same language. But when the Russian got up and danced, Zorba understood the loss of loved ones, the loss of land, the memories of pain this stranger had lived through. There is no need to say anything. Whatever a person feels, he can express it through dance.

The coming of Spring is always greeted with festivals. The dances fall into diverse categories such couples and lines. The purpose of these dances had always been linked with courting. Many times, the women lead the dance.

***
Lady Maria (also known as Kyra Maria, Tis Marias and Tis Katerinos) is a Macedonian dance from Alexandria. 'Dora Stratou mentions that the women of this region were the only ones privileged to wear helmets, because they had successfully helped Amyntas III, grandfather of Alexander the Great, in a victorious battle.' (Guardians of Hellenism CD booklet)

Karagouna is a dance of Thessaly, usually danced by women, although in some variations men dance behind the women.

Tsakonikos is from eastern Peloponnese, one of the oldest dances.

Sousta from Crete, Ballos from the Cyclades, and Pirgousikos from Pyrgos in Chios are couple dances from the islands.

Sousta of Rhodes and Ikariotiko are energetic circle dances (often led by women).

There were many more I could have put in this video!

Enjoy!

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[darkshaver1]

Nah im ballsing with ya

[darkshaver1]

I Came for porn xD

[azulbengala]

♥...

[IanHunedoara8]

In the Movie Zorba danced upon hearing the news of the death of his son- the only way he could deal with the pain.

[hefaiiston]

what is the name of this song, do you know where i can get it?

//Andreas

[hefaiiston]

beautiful music :))

[pazgriega]

Μπούρδες!

[heymeagain]

I'm so proud to have dominate greek heritage :D

[topallia]

bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla. Until you read real history, that will be your only answer, as your answers are worthless.

[topallia]

Oh you greeks with dirty talks....lol