The sirtaki dance has been one of the most popular Greek traditions for several decades. However, it is not a folk dance. It was invented by the American actor Anthony Quinn, who starred in the film "The Greek Zorba". According to the script, Quinn was supposed to perform a dance in front of the camera to the music of the composer Mikis Theodorakis, but the actor broke his leg and was unable to perform complex steps. He immediately invented a new dance, taking as a basis the movements of the Greek dance of the butchers: he slowly dragged one leg to another, and raised his legs low alternately. The music and movement were so much to the taste of the Greeks who watched the film that the dance became incredibly popular. Today he is known all over the world, and his origin is mistakenly associated with the history of Greece. How to dance sirtaki?
Instructions
Step 1
In order for the dance to turn out groovy and cheerful, there must be a lot of dancers. All stand in a circle or in two circles, one inside the other: inside - women, outside - men. If there are not very many dancers, then you can also stand in a line. The dancers intertwine their hands, forming a horizontal line with their hands, while the palms lie on the shoulders of the neighbors (less often on the waist).
Step 2
The dance starts with a slow part. The dancers take a step to the right, put their left foot in the right leg, and then vice versa - to the left, and put their right foot. A similar movement is repeated throughout the first measure.
Step 3
Then the dancers take a step to the right on the right foot, and put the left foot across the toes in front. The same movement is done to the left, with the left foot.
Step 4
The next movement is similar to the previous one, only the leg is placed in a cross behind the supporting one.
Step 5
Then the dancers take a step to the right on their right foot, and the left one is brought forward without lifting it off the floor. Likewise - to the left.
Step 6
This is followed by the following element: the dancers take a step to the right, step back with the left foot, step again with the right foot, bring the left foot to the right and lunge onto the softened right leg to the right. Then the dancer rises, transfers the weight to the left leg and brings the right leg to the left. Similar movements are done in the opposite direction.
Step 7
In the same way, in sirtaki, various steps, lunges, squats and form a new dance pattern.
Step 8
The fast part is the so-called "zig-zag" movement. The dancers run faster and faster sideways in a circle, alternating crossing their legs. The music is constantly accelerating, forcing the dancers to be more attentive and dexterous.
