The Greeks have over four thousand different traditional dances from all regions of the country. Many have been around since ancient times, and they are still performed in Greece and other parts of the world with large Greek communities such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The Ancient Greeks believed that dances came from the gods, and performing them was a form of worship. They also believed that the gift of dance was bestowed upon only a few mortals, and it was their job to teach it to others. The religious element of dance took on a new meaning in later centuries when Greece adopted Christianity.
The Greek mainland and the islands have their own distinctive styles that reflect their unique culture and history. For example, the island dances have a flowing, almost water-like quality to them. Dances from areas near the Black Sea like the Pontic are known for being very sharp. Another important traditional dance is the Bacchanalian Dance, which is featured in the Dionysian Festival. The Emmelia dance was used in Greek tragedies, as well as pantomime.
Dances are a key component of Greek social gatherings. Communities come together for celebrations like Easter, the grape harvest, weddings, and various regional festivals. You’re sure to find traditional dancing in all of them. In Greek dancing, there is a strict order to how the dancers are placed. If you’re a tourist, you might be invited to dance, and it’s best if you let your Greek partner take the lead so you don’t end up doing something you’re not supposed to.
