In most Greek dance celebrations, Kalamatiano is the most common. The dance is comprised of twelve steps—six steps to the right, followed by six steps in place. This dance is sometimes referred to as syrto. In essence they are the same dance—Kalamatiano is a syrto that originates from Kalamata, a city in southern Greece. Some people refer to this dance as the “fast” one, or the dance with the “regular” beat. Kalamatiano is a steady dance and does not require a great deal of exertion from the dancers.

A song called “Mandili Kalamatiano” is one of the most traditional Greek folk dances. Its name comes from the lyric that describes a young woman who wears a kerchief around her neck. Usually the lead dancer uses a white handkerchief as a prop that is waved about in the free hand or held between the lead dancer and the second dancer. In this case, the handkerchief (or a clean dinner napkin on occasion) becomes an extension that allows the leader to interact with his or her partner to the left, allowing freedom of movement to incorporate improvisations. The mandili has both form and function in Greek folk dance.

Other traditional songs include “Samiotissa” (“Girl from Samos”), “Milo Mou Kokkino” (My Red Apple), and “To Papaki” (The Duck). These titles may sound strange to people who are used to popular contemporary songs, but keep in mind that they reflect the folk reality of the people who wrote them. While the titles may sound strange, the lyrics often tell the stories about a young man’s admiration of a young woman, a person from a particular village or town, or unrequited love.

After a couple of Kalamatiano songs, a Tsamiko is often played. This one is known as the “slow” dance. Like Kalamatiano, Tsamiko is comprised of twelve steps, but at a different rhythm and a much slower tempo. The line moves much slower than a Kalamatiano, so it is not uncommon for dancers to take a rest or sit out during this dance. For some dancers, however, Tsamiko’s slow tempo allows for each dancer, and especially the lead dancer, to express steps in a more blah blah blah manner. A skilled dancer will take the lead position and incorporate elaborate variations, such as kicks, squats, lifts, or even an overhead flip! The handkerchief takes a more functional role here as it serves as an extension between the two front dancers, allowing the second dancer to offer steady support for the lead dancer to execute impressive variations. Tsamiko is enjoyable to dance indeed, but it is also a great deal of fun to watch!

The music at your celebration will likely switch between Kalamatiano and Tsamiko throughout the night. Eventually, the Hasaposerviko, or “the fast one” will be played. This dance is always a crowd pleaser, but is not for dancers who would like a bit of rest. Instead of holding hands, dancers put their arms on each other’s shoulders. The step is really simple—three steps to the right followed by two kicks. Like most dances, the leader determines the speed of the line—he can take large steps and move the line quickly to the right, or take smaller steps. This may be a dance that you do at your own risk. You may step out of the line if you need a breather—the dancers behind you will gladly pick up the pace to catch up with the rest of the line once you leave.

Like most social activities, there is a standard of etiquette surrounding Greek circle dances. These dances literally bring people together in a form of expression and celebration, so offending others by breaking these rules may not be in your best interest.

1. Join the line at the left, not the right. Greek dance lines move to the right, and the person farthest to the right is the leader of the line, demonstrating variations and expressive movements for the duration of the song or until someone else is invited to take over. Usually, dancers join a line by taking the hand of the person farthest left. Occasionally, if you know someone in the line, you may “cut” into the middle of the line. Simply put, Greek dance lines are similar to checkout lines at a grocery store. Don’t cut without permission.
2. Get lessons ahead of time. Be proactive when it comes to Greek dancing and ask someone who is familiar with the steps to give you a quick lesson. It may take awhile to learn the choreography, but the steps are actually quite simple. You may find an instructional resource, such as a DVD or an online video, to be particularly helpful if you are planning on attending a Greek celebration.
3. Just follow along. If the steps don’t come easily to you, just follow along with the other dancers. You may want to take the end of the line if you find yourself just picking up the steps. Don’t insist on an on-the-spot lesson from the other dancers—you may get one, but it may just mean that you’ll have to be pulled along in the line for the time being. If you find that the steps are too complicated, you may have to step away from the line, enjoy the celebration as a spectator, and get some lessons for your next event.
4. Hold your own weight. Greek dancing requires each person in the line to hold hands with other dancers. Some dances, like the hasaposerviko, are performed with the hands on the shoulders of others. In any case, don’t become a burden to the other dancers by keeping your hands heavy. The other dancers are not armrests! If you do have a heavy hand, you may be let go.
5. Stay on beat. Variations are always fun to do, but don’t sacrifice rhythm for fancy footwork. The simplest movements that are done on beat always look better than arrhythmic variations that looked rushed.
6. Don’t break the circle. Greek dances are usually danced in an open semicircle, so you’re likely dancing behind the person to your left since everyone is faced slightly to the right. You do not want to dance right next to the person to your right, even if you are trying to watch their steps. If you are trying to pick up the steps, watch someone on the opposite side of the line. There might also be another circle within your own—watching the feet of the people in that line might be helpful as well.
7. Smile, and interact with the leader and the other dancers. Greek dancing is a community activity, so an enthusiastic “yasou” or a heartfelt “OPAA” adds a bit of energy to the line.

Above all, remember that the main purpose of dancing is to celebrate. You’ll likely have a great time as a dancer or a spectator at a Greek celebration. If you can’t do the steps to these dances, and you really feel like dancing, there likely will be an “Electric Slide” or a “YMCA” when the music changes.

A Greek wedding celebration is often comprised of three elements:  Music, food, and dancing.  Guests look forward to joining hands in the traditional dance circle taking turns leading the dance in the front or simply enjoying the time spent with others in the rest of the line

Traditionally, the dance floor opens up with a line led by the bride, groom, koumbaro/koumbara (wedding sponsor), and members of the family and bridal party. “Oraia Pou’nai I Nifi Mas” is almost always the accompanying song and the guests look on as the bride and groom take hands and continue their first steps together, cheered on by their friends and family.  Here are some ideas to keep in mind in order to make sure that your first dance together is one to remember:

1. Talk to your band or DJ ahead of time and see what they recommend for a music sequence.  Would you like to have one continuous medley of songs or does someone in your bridal party have a special Greek song request?  A medley of songs would make for a quicker sequence, while stopping the music to switch from a kalamatiano to a tsamiko may interrupt the kefi (a Greek word used to describe the “celebratory vibe” one feels when dancing) of the moment.
2. Order your line ahead of time so people know where they are supposed to stand.  Usually, the bride and groom are followed by the koumbaro and/or koumbara, followed by the parents, followed by the remainder of the bridal party.
3. If anyone in your bridal party is unfamiliar with the steps, do not put them at the end of the line—it’s much easier for them when they have an experienced dancer on each side of them.  Put strong dancers at the end of the line—that will keep the circle open and give everyone (including your photographer) a good view of the entire line.
4. Brides, remember that since no one else is watching your feet, you shouldn’t either.  So smile big and look at your husband or your bridal party.  Photographers and videographers will be recording this moment—you don’t want to be caught with your eyes looking to the floor with a scared or concentrated look on your face.  If you’re nervous, just smile—the steps will come to you!
5. There’s a tradition to throw money at the bride and groom during the first couple of Greek dances, so you may want to give your bridal party a heads up ahead of time.  Use discretion when sharing this detail—your bridal party has already shelled out a great deal of cash to spend this day with you, and the extra expense may put people off.  However, an extra couple of bills may save face when one side of the family decides to toss handfuls of greenbacks into the air and others are caught off guard.  Paperclips make portioning out bills easier.  New money tends to stick together—try crisp bills that aren’t so fresh from the mint.
6. Brides, try holding a napkin or handkerchief in your right hand when leading—it gives you a prop to hold on to and will help keep your arms up and posture open.  Think of it as an extension of your arm when moving it around in the air.
7. If at all possible, provide some Greek dancing tips to the rest of the bridal party prior to the wedding.  Even though the vast majority of the Greek dances are simple in nature, it is important to inform the participants of the tempo and rhythm of each dance.  This only takes a few minutes and can make your dance circle look much more elegant.
8. Last, but not least, turns are easy variations to include—they look great and add a little bit of color to the dance.  They’re also really simple—try incorporating a turn while practicing for your reception.

Above all, the dance floor at your wedding reception should be one where everyone is having fun.  The above notes are simply guidelines—make your reception your own. If you need further help, check out our Greek dance DVD lessons.