Pentozali

Rhythm

2/4 · Fast

Formation

Open circle, arms stretched out onto the neighbours' shoulders; the leader performs figures.

Difficulty

Hard

Instruments

Cretan lyra, Laouto, Mandolin

Occasion

Village festival, Wedding, Feast day

Character

• Energetic
• Heroic

Who dances it: Men

The most emblematic leaping dance of Crete, originating in Kissamos and Selino in Chania. Tradition says it took its present form during the Daskalogiannis revolt (1770–71): its ten steps recall 10 October 1769, when the Sfakians decided to rise up, and its twelve tunes the twelve captains. The name is explained as the "fifth zalo" (step), meaning a fifth attempt at freedom. Once a men's dance, it is now danced by everyone and is often preceded by the siganos.

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Its story

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What they wear

• Women’s festive costume Crete Women’s
• Men’s festive costume Crete Men’s

Where it’s danced

• Crete › Chania · origin
• Crete · also danced here

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