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mastichas09

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It's hard to teach this dance, because its about your kefi and passion. But for those who are completely unsure of where to begin...look at this video I shared

 
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Zeibekiko is one of the most famous and popular Greek dances. Here are instructions of how to learn and dance the Zeibekiko:
 
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For me I had to start, way back when I was little, learning the steps. But over time, as I became familiar with the music, the basic steps and structure is still there when I dance it, but worrying about the steps is now replaced with the feeling... of the music, of my mood, etc. I also learn a lot by watching others dance it - each person has his or her own way of dancing it.
 
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For me I had to start, way back when I was little, learning the steps. But over time, as I became familiar with the music, the basic steps and structure is still there when I dance it, but worrying about the steps is now replaced with the feeling... of the music, of my mood, etc. I also learn a lot by watching others dance it - each person has his or her own way of dancing it.
Lovely way to post this here.Efgharisto .....the same way of Spanish Flamenco!...Full of passion and pride.and feelings as you say!.... Kalley Mera.
 
You're right that there are no steps (you have to feel it inside of you), but there is a very specific beat you have to dance to - as she mentions in the video there are three different versions of the dance. Today the most common version of the dance is danced in a 9/8 pattern.
 
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You're right that there are no steps (you have to feel it inside of you), but there is a very specific beat you have to dance to - as she mentions in the video there are three different versions of the dance. Today the most common version of the dance is danced in a 9/8 pattern.
Very good point, thanks for sharing. I always have a hard time keeping up with the beat. Clapping usually helps!!
 
Very good point, thanks for sharing. I always have a hard time keeping up with the beat. Clapping usually helps!!
you might like this video then. He explains the beat very well


Once you watch that video, watch this video and try to hear the beat. The beat starts at about 10 seconds.

 

Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?

Greek Naming Traditions?

I have noticed that in Greece, there are some traditions associated with naming their children. Although some Greek families in the United States have done this, many have seemed to lose the traditions.

Does anyone know what some of these traditions are? I am helping a friend name his upcoming child... Here's some of what I have learned:

1. Firstborn daughter names after maternal grandmother
2. Firstborn son named after paternal grandfather
3. Firstborn son named after father

Those are the ones I have figured out. I don't know what is traditional from Greece and what has just been made up amongst Greeks in the US.

Where did plate smashing come from?

When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

I was just at a wedding and they had purchased plates to smash - so basically they were cheap throwaway plates that actually smashed really well. I almost wonder if they were made for the purpose...

It got me thinking - where did this tradition come from? Does anyone know?

Ideas for Celebrating the New Month - Kalo Mina

Growing up, I heard my family say this all the time when there was a new month. I finally started paying attention to the tradition and ritual of saying it.

Kalo Mina actually means "Good Month" but my family took it a step further. We developed the habit of doing something special as a family to celebrate.It depends which day it falls. Some things we've done:

- Brunch - We do this if it falls on a weekend.
- Dinner - Going out to dinner is great any time of the year!
- Journaling - We've done family journaling parties, sitting together reflecting on the month. Sometimes we read aloud what we write (depends how the month went LOL)
- Goals - No matter if we do anything, like go out to dinner or brunch, we always sit and review our goals for the month together.

List of Cretan Dances?

I will be attending a Cretan wedding and am curious about the traditional Cretan dances! I know the dances are slightly different and I want to learn some. I don't know the names of the dances so that I can look them up. I did some research, though. Are any of these dances common at these weddings?
  • Pentozali
  • Sousta
  • Siganos
  • Chaniotis
There's a dance the wedding party typically does in Crete. Which dance is that?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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