Asia Minor

Μικρά Ασία

Historical homeland

7 dances · 60 from the archive

Zeibekiko Ζεϊμπέκικο 9/8 · Solo, improvised dance, traditionally for men.
Karsilamas Καρσιλαμάς 9/8 · Couples, partners facing each other.
Smyrna ballos Μπάλος σμυρναίικος 2/4 · Couples, a man and a woman, dancing freely face to face.
Bournovalios syrtos Μπουρνοβαλιός συρτός 4/4 · Open circle, mixed, hands joined.

The Greek communities of Asia Minor, centred on Smyrna and Erythraia and, at its other edge, Constantinople, developed a rich urban and folk music played on violin, santouri, oud, kanonaki and toumbeleki. Typical dances were the zeibekiko, karsilamas, tsifteteli, ballos and the syrtos, with improvisation, partners facing each other and rhythms such as 9/8 and 2/4. The refugees of 1922 brought this tradition to Greek cities, where it deeply shaped rebetiko.

From here

Also danced here

Hasapiko Χασάπικο 2/4 · Medium · A line, usually short, with hands on the neighbours' shoulders. also danced here video + song

From the archive 60

All in the list

Asia Minor

From here

Also danced here

From the archive 60

Sources