Do Greeks Really Dance All the Time? | Easy Greek 80

[@anjelmusic]

"Greece is beautiful chaos" - I love this line!! Also, the lindy-hop / boogie-woogie guy. I was very fortunate last summer to become well acquainted with the Swing Dance scene in Athens. Such a great group of people :)

[@EasyGreekVideos]

There's also, or at least there used to be, a big tango scene in Athens, too!

[@anjelmusic]

@@EasyGreekVideos Really? Makes sense. I did accidentally end up at a Latin Dance night at one of the clubs once!

[@andrewk9267]

I just discovered your channel, and I IMMEDIATELY subscribed... προσπαθώ να μαθαίνω ελληνικά, άλλα είναι δύσκολο γιατί περισσότεροι άνθρωποι ότι προσπαθώ να τους μιλαώ, μιλούν τόσο γρήγορα ( συγνώμη αν τα ελληνικά μου δεν είναι σωστά). I like your channel because you're speaking conversationally/colloquially, unlike most instructional videos/tapes, but you're speaking slowly and clearly enough that I can follow! Ευχαριστώ!!

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Thank you, Andrew! Doing our best to help out. -Dimitris

[@louisepalermo4894]

I love these videos, thank you! I will become a Patron! I have taken Greek traditional dance lessons at the Dora Stratou Greek National Dance theater (on one visit to Athens two years ago) which EVERYONE should visit and watch the performances. They are amazing, rich, and inspirational. Greece's many layers are represented there, as well as traditional costumes. History! Tradition! Beauty! Pride! By the way, you can dance tango outside under the watchful presence of the Acropolis...or you could before the pandemic. Dancing is Greece is LOVELY!

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Thank you - and thanks for the tip!

[@ΝικόλαοςΔημητρίου-ν3δ]

Εγώ πάντα χορεύω! Επειδή κατάγομαι από την Κύθνο σε κάθε γάμο & βαφτίσια χορεύουμε θερμιώτικο μπάλο! Ειδικά τώρα που μετακόμισα Ρωσία και μου λείπει η Ελλάδα ώρες ώρες απλά σηκώνομαι και χορεύω μπάλο με τον εαυτό μου!

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Πολύ όμορφη η Κύθνος! Μαριλένα

[@eustathiosstratis5348]

We are Greek Americans from the area of Boston, Massachusetts. Our parents were also born here. Our father's parents were refugees from Kerasia in Ottoman Thrace. Our mother's father was from Xatzi in Messinia and her mother was born in Romania to a father from Karpenisi and mother from Kefalonia. We grew up with American dances of the swing period (WWII) jitterbug, fox trot and the Greek dances kalamatino syrto, tsamiko, karsilma, zeimpekiko, tsifteteli. Later we learned other traditional Greek dances from all over Greece including the islands and Asia Minor

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Lot of cultures and dances ❤️ Nice! Marilena

[@MargiePoulos]

Sas heromai pou den ksehasate tis rises sas.

[@Robjamesseymourr]

Thank you Dimitris and Marilena for your efforts and videos, not only am I learning Greek but also learning so much about the culture and lifestyle too! Keep doing what you are doing and congrats on the wedding! 😁

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Thanks a lot for your comment, Rob! Glad you like not just how we present the language but the rest of the "sauce" as well! -Dimitris

[@angelagrace8265]

I like the traditional Greek dance where the man dances alone, or perhaps with other men. I am learning Greek and I love your videos. They are always so interesting. Thank you!

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Thank you! 😃 The dance is called the zeibekiko

[@kilonaliosI]

Fun Fact: Syrtaki is actually not popular at all in Greece and you will rarely hear it anywhere apart from tourist areas, its consider mostly a "tourist" dance although indeed quite similar to rest of Greek dances. The popularity of dances is purely localized which means each area of Greece has its own popular dances.

[@EasyGreekVideos]

So many Greek dances according to where they come from! Marilena

[@amac140]

Love swing- lindy hop🤗

[@evebananas]

I'm Greek but I've lived in the US my whole life and when I attended Greek school as a child I learned a lot of traditional dances and loved it! We also have dance troupes here for students who want to dance more regularly and who want to compete.

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Competitive dancing? This is not a thing in Greece as far as I know. Interesting!

[@JustSueMe]

@@EasyGreekVideos Dance competitions in Greece often include traditional Greek dances as well, actually.

[@pmo8672]

Ως χορευτής, μου άρεσε πολύ αυτό το επεισόδιο. Για μένα, ο χορός είναι το πιο όμορφο πράγμα στον κόσμο και δεν θα το παραιτήσω για τίποτα!

[@anjelmusic]

Και εγώ!

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Μια μικρή διόρθωση: give up = παραιτούμαι ή τα παρατάω || abandon = παρατάω! Το σωστό θα ήταν: «δεν θα το παρατήσω» ή «δεν θα παραιτηθώ» για τίποτα! Αλλα πραγματικά χαίρομαι που σαν χορευτής σου άρεσε το επεισόδιο. Ξέρεις και ελληνικούς χορούς;

[@pmo8672]

Σας ευχαριστώ για τη διόρθωση - το εκτιμώ! Έχω σπουδάσει μπαλέτο, τζαζ, χιπ χοπ, αφρικανικό χορό και σάλσα (το αγαπημένο μου). Δυστυχώς, δεν είχα την ευκαιρία να μελετήσω ακόμα ελληνικούς χορούς - αλλά ελπίζω στο μέλλον! :)

[@christinakiki75]

i love the traditional Greek dances. I am very jealous at Greek music because its so beautiful. ...no but really its very beautiful. And yes i think traditional dances should be learned at school because its cultural heritage. And traditional music in a way clarifies your soul and mind Greetings from Serbia

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Greetings to Serbia! Glad you like our music and dances, Marilena

[@berinterpreter]

Welcome back, filoi mas!!

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Ευχαριστούμε! :)

[@sarojini108]

I love dancing and watching dancing, and that’s one reason I’m going to move to Greece soon. I can’t wait to learn the traditional dances of the region( East Macedonia’s and Thrace ) and hopefully make some friends that way.

[@ΠαύλοςΚ-θ9ζ]

Although Greek I don't dance, I am a cucumber 😅 Greek expression for people that are stiff, can't move with grace.

[@skyline3230]

what part of Greece?

[@theo9952]

Same here. A cucumber or a turnip is more talented in dancing than I am.

[@evangeliakaratza-styliara4413]

Ας γράψω κι εγώ.... πριν τρελαθώ με κάποια σχόλια!!!! Οι Ελληνικοί παραδοσιακοί χοροί (όπως άλλωστε όλοι οι παραδοσιακοί χοροί) είναι σπουδαιότατο κειμήλιο που μεταφέρεται από γενιά σε γενιά . Είναι η σύνδεσή μας με τους «πριν» και τους «μετά». Είναι ένας πολύ σπουδαίος τρόπος να κρατιέται κάνεις στα λογικά του μέσα στις ανείπωτες δυσκολίες της ζωής γιατί θα μοιραστεί την μουσική και τα βήματα στον κυκλωτικό χορό . Ένα μικρό θαύμα στην αγκαλιά μας. Ποιος/α μπορεί να αρνηθεί ότι δεν είναι απλά συγκλονιστικό τα βήματα του/της να συντονίζονται και να ακούγονται σαν ένα στην διάρκεια ενός χορού;;;;; Ναι, οι Έλληνες χορεύουμε πολύ , χορεύουμε περισσότερο από άλλους λαούς. Εξαιρουμένης της τωρινής πανδημικής περιόδου (που θα τελειώσει εύχομαι σύντομα) η Ελλάδα σείεται από χορούς και πανηγύρια . Στην Ήπειρο / Μακεδονία /Θράκη γίνεται χαμός ολοχρονίς όπου ο κόσμος (έκπληξη!!!!) ξέρει τα βήματα!!!! Στα νησιά επίσης!!! Στην πρωτεύουσα Αθήνα (που άλλωστε συγκεντρώνει τον μισό πληθυσμό) υπάρχουν άπειροι σύλλογοι που κάνουν δουλειά ! Γιατί ποιό είναι το ζητούμενο;;;; Να μεταφερθεί αυτή η γνώση (άκρως σπουδαία στην ελληνική ταυτότητα) στις επόμενες γενιές. Και τώρα περισσότερο από ποτέ χρειάζεται η νεολαία καθώς και οι άλλες ηλικίες να γίνουν μύστες της παράδοσης. Άλλωστε στους παραδοσιακούς χορούς όλοι μπορούν , για όλους υπάρχει θέση στον κύκλο συγχρονισμένους/ασυγχρόνιστους/παιδιά /ηλικιωμένους ....απλά όλους!!! Το θέμα σηκώνει πολύ κουβέντα ....αναμένω με λαχτάρα πότε θα «ανοίξουμε»...θα δείτε Τί χαμός θα γίνει ανά την επικράτεια με τα πανηγύρια και τα γλέντια ! Και μια μικρή αλλά σημαντική διόρθωση : το λύκειο Ελληνίδων που ανέφερε μια σχολιάστρια δεν είναι ένα σχολείο . Το Λύκειο Ελληνίδων ( με πάμπολλα παραρτήματα σε όλη την Ελλάδα αλλά και σε όλο τον κόσμο ) είναι: «ελληνικό γυναικείο σωματείο, έχοντας κύριο στόχο την διατήρηση και της διάδοση της ελληνικής πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς, ιδρύθηκε το 1911 από την πρωτοπόρο του ελληνικού φεμινιστικού κινήματος Kαλλιρρόη Σιγανού-Παρρέν, με κεντρική φιλοσοφια το δικαίωμα στη μόρφωση και στην εργασία...» Αντιλαμβάνεστε την σημασία και την σπουδαιότητα !!! Αυτά τα ολίγα . Τί θα ήθελα να προσθέσω; Μα είναι πασιφανές ! Όλο και περισσότεροι να καταλάβουν την αξία της παράδοσης , την σημασία της και να πάνε να μάθουν έστω 5 (από τους «505» , λέμε τώρα... αλλά πάντως άπειρους...) ελληνικούς χορούς σωστά .

[@ellakatinaki]

Evangelia Karatza-Styliara ασπαζωμε, δεν υπαρχουν αλα λογια

[@MegaMayday16]

Hello friends. I was born in Morocco and grew up in Germany. There is some kind of Greek music that makes me really happy and makes me want to dance freestyle tsifteteli. I like rembetika, smyrneika, amanes, tsifteteli and so one. Are there places where the music is played and people go dancing. I also like skiladiko I think it's fun if it's trashy and people dance belly dance :D Any suggestions?

[@budgetmoss9270]

"Swing Lindy Hop" τι είναι αυτό;;; πρέπει να το προσπαθήσω!

[@draganjakimoski3667]

I can confirm for singing. While doing dry laundry, working and even swimming around..

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Cool 🎶🎶 marilena

[@theo9952]

Sing yes, dance NO. Not for me.

[@wonderlandian8465]

Ikariotikos is the best dance!

[@irinakamp]

+1

[@MargiePoulos]

I agree and I love the music.

[@theo9952]

Unless you have heard the bloody song played badly a thousand times at an Ikariotiko panygyri.

[@annawolfe2706]

Hopa!!!

[@mr.someone52]

There is definitely a connection with folkloric dances. I think not every Greek is aware of it, but dancing culture in the northern parts of europe are not that developed or " alive" so to speak. There are so many people that are curious about dancing. They go to dancing courses and they dance a variety of latin dances for example wich are also traditional styles in their countries. They are so interested in it,because it is another form of selfexpression that comes with a feeling of security and joy. ...let me put it this way : it takes a certain amount of alcohol to make an ordinary adult German dance on a wedding and it usually looks a bit funny and clumsy because they are not familiar with dancing at all except for those occasions. But there were traditional dances as well, they just ain't practized anymore or are forgotten by the majority of folks the waltz for example is also originally an austrian folk dance ...the development of classical music, that logically developed from folkloric music made it popular. I would say it definitely helps to been teached how to dance early even if your not interested in strict dancing like the variety of greek dances. The definition of culture is " that what is lived " of cause , clubbing and raving is also a subcultural thing that make people dance... But in my view its a different quality because its always limited in the minority group that appreciates it and speaking of techno, its mostly a chaotic thing where everybody does his own stuff... Its more of a introvert form of expression . Traditional dances mostly are quite the opposite and are not so limited, they are the product people practicing and developing them for ages. Greek dances especially are typically "inclusive" and extroverted by nature and depend on people to synchronize with each other , what can be quite a special feeling... Something that northern europeans are not used to at all to mention. I am half german ,half greek. That is my impression of it. I would prefer the greek way in this, because its simply "richer" by having a positive influences on folks. I would even say its an key ingredient of greek mindset consiously or subconsciously it reflects the people at its best. I mean st first it may appear as a stereotype... But if you deconstruct it, it is not. Dances rely on public occasions and the space where people can dance. In Greece life takes place on the streets more than in direct comparision to other countries for a reason.

[@MegaMayday16]

Wow thanks. You speak from my soul and mind. Greetings from an Moroccan raised in Germany

[@mr.someone52]

@@MegaMayday16 thanks Bud, I know ,you must know what I mean ;)

[@luisdan8415]

Cool video ☺ Btw, the boy at 6:14 is handsome.

[@ChristyGoldie1]

Well, Traditional dances are part of the P.E. curriculum in greek public schools. I would say that in bars or clubs, greeks, mostly men, but also women tend to dance less than non-greeks do in their own countries. When you mix them, though, for example in clubs in the greek islands (Mykonos, Paros, Ios and more) I think that this difference is not as prominent and Greeks feel more free (of people's eyes sadly) to dance electronic, techno, and pop music. Traditional dances are performed, as said, mostly in weddings, but also in Panigyria (Festivals) which are happenings in Greece's rural places and the islands(check out Ikaria). By the way, I have been to many university parties where we danced traditional dances. Also, I guess some hipsters like them a lot :)

[@EasyGreekVideos]

The Pontian man from Northern Greece mentions the πανηγύρια!

[@konstantinosstavropoulos3605]

good

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Thank you! Marilena

[@eurostar0711]

I am half Assyrian, and the dance at 4:59 is almost identical to our Khigga and Sheikhani dances, but Greek "version" is more athletic i'd say. Ive been to Greek Festivals in the US, and seen dance school perform and they were doing some very athletic moves. lol

[@georgiageorgali-g-jojo-g]

Στην επαρχεία νομίζω ισχύει αυτό πολύ, χορεύουν θεωρώ πολύ περισσότερο ειδικά τους παραδοσιακούς χορούς. Εμείς στην Αθήνα μόνο Χριστούγεννα και Πάσχα χορεύουμε. Επίσης θυμάμαι όταν ήμουν στο σχολείο συνήθως οι γυμναστές κάνανε ομάδες και μάθαιναν παραδοσιακούς χορούς σε όσα παιδιά ήθελαν μετά το σχολείο όμως. Πάντως προσωπικά δεν χορεύω συχνά αλλά άμα βρεθώ στο κατάλληλο περιβάλλον θα το τερματίσω, σαν να μην υπάρχει αύριο χορεύω. 😋😋🤣

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Πρέπει να πας τότε στην Ικαρία στα πανηγύρια που χορεύουν μέχρι την άλλη μέρα το πρωί! Μαριλένα

[@wulanrachma452]

So the two men in 3:16 are not greek? Are they really albanian?

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Yes!

[@JohnyVman]

Last time I danced in athens was in the Drakopoulos park, in athens, I danced to prove my poor skills to a girl, I broke my fingers from a fall. Anyway, yes, greeks dance.

[@desvasta9906]

WE GREEKS OUTSIDE GREECE DANCE TRADITIONAL ( PARADOSIAKA) POLI!!!!!! WE ONLY STOPPED BECAUSE OF THE VIRUS OR ELSE WE ARE PROUD

[@stephanieanastasakis7181]

it really depends on which kind of foriegners you are comparing Greek people to. Most Chinese people do not dance. Sure there is a trend now to go to dance classes for exercise but usually, people do not dance. There is no dancing at weddings. Traditional dances are danced by professionals only and everyone else only watch the performance.

[@smadm2437]

I tried learning traditional dances with a group, at a dance school, for one year while in Cyprus. I gave up - I had to admit I do not like the music despite being half greek cypriot :/ I grew up in the carrabeans so I am drawn to Latin rythms! To me, social dancing is more common in Greece & Cyprus (and Latin America for that matter) than say, France or Germany. There, I feel dancing is not something you would typically do with your family (maybe move your body a bit at weddings after a few drinks but that's about it), and if you did learn how to dance, you would dance at specific venues eg milongas or salsa club. Εν το μεταξύ....χορέψατε στο γάμο σας Δημήτρη;;;; ένα βίντεο εαν ναι 😊🙂😁

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Δεν χορέψαμε. Απαγορευόταν. :(

[@smadm2437]

@@EasyGreekVideos Αχχχ ναι το είχα ξεχάσει αυτο...

[@annawolfe2706]

Dance? Did you say Dance? cue Zorba...

[@matejamartin2199]

Poor man, thought that bam will not be recorded😂

[@ИванИванов-ъ7х8ы]

Γιατί σε διαφορά βίντεο ο κόσμος είναι ο ίδιος;

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Απλή απάντηση: γιατί μερικές φορές γυρίζουμε 2 επεισόδια την ίδια μέρα! :)

[@HTHIA]

Όπου γάμος και χαρά η Βασίλω πρώτη. Με περιγράφει απόλυτα.

[@alexandroskalfas8980]

Είσαι Έλληνας?

[@armencomstock5593]

when I was in Greece I did not find any place that had Greek music at all. I was very disappointed. English songs I hear in USA We go to Greece we want Greek music and dancing

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Quite a lot of Greeks never listen to Greek music, so if you're going to local places, it's possible you'll hear a mix of Greek & "foreign" music or even no Greek music. It also has to do with the style and vibe of the place.

[@Agamemnon1002]

@@EasyGreekVideos Really I am surprised to hear that. My impression was different. In fact, as the older lady in the video said, I find there is a kind of renewed interest in Greek traditional music, and instruments as well as dances. On KZbin you will find many groups composed of young people who perform excellent Greek music using traditional instruments. Many of the singers are amazing. I myself, love everything about Greek traditional music and the various forms from north to south as well as the islands. It is pure gold. Don't get me started on rembetika. Although I was not born in Greece or Cyprus (where my parents came from), I stopped listening to western music many years ago, not because I think its bad, but I find that Greek music touches my soul and I spend much time studying it and even trying to play it on my bouzouki and tzoura. Anyway, I think it would be sad if this cultural heritage is lost. Τέλος πάντων, ευχαριστώ γιά τα βιντεο σας, τα οποία ανακάλυψα πρόσφατα.

[@SnakemanLuffy4]

@@EasyGreekVideos Διαφωνώ λιγο με αυτό, πιστεύω στη Ελλάδα αγαπάμε την ελληνική λαική μουσική και την έντεχνη αλλα όχι τόσο την παραδοσιακή. Η παραδοσιακή ταυτίζεται περισσότερο με τους γάμους.

[@ΕλένηΚαρατσίκη]

παίζει μεγάλο ρόλο και το να ξέρεις τα σωστά μέρη, ώστε να βρεις αυτό που ψάχνεις. Ιδιαίτερα η Αθήνα είναι μια χαοτική πόλη για όποιον δεν ξέρει τα μυστικά της. Υπάρχουν επίσης κάποιες πόλεις, που έχουν πιο έντονη σχέση με την παραδοσιακή μουσική ή και τα ρεμπέτικα... σε σχέση με άλλες. Παραδείγματος χάριν στα Γιάννενα ή στον Βόλο θα βρεις πιο εύκολα ρεμπετάδικα και τσιπουράδικα από ότι στη Θεσσαλονίκη, ενώ επίσης στη Βόρεια Ελλάδα ή στα νησιά θα βρεις πιο πολλά, μεγάλα και γνήσια παραδοσιακά πανηγύρια, από ότι στη Στερεά Ελλάδα ή στην Πελοπόννησο.

[@christinakiki75]

3000% i agree with you

[@NtaGot]

το συρτακι εχει την ιδια μελωδια με εναν κρητικο συρτο του κουτσουρελη αν θυμαμαι καλα. μαλλον απο εκει πηρε το ονομα το

[@michaliskleimenidis]

Παρόλο που είμαι Πόντιος, δεν έχω ιδέα από χορούς.

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Κρίμα γιατί έχετε υπέροχους χορούς! Μαριλενα

[@michaliskleimenidis]

@@EasyGreekVideos Συμφωνώ κι επαυξάνω.

[@coelhoazul]

😍🏳️‍🌈

[@rednmasgamas]

ρε στην Ελλάδα δεν χορεύει κανεις συρτάκι

[@Jerry113]

Hmm all of balkan have come to Greece to vacation

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Well, if they can catch the language and go on to speak it fluently all during their vacation, they must be geniuses!

[@theo9952]

Dance ? I am Greek and I don't dance. If I ever tried to dance I would make a fool of myself. No talent or inclination in dancing whatsoever.

[@philippebasten4464]

Greeks always confuse me, like some of them look white while other are more like latinx (for example the young girl is pretty sure latina). Wonderful language by the way!

[@EasyGreekVideos]

Doubt she's a Latina. What if we said Latinxs look like Greeks? :)

[@alessbritish228]

Your spelling is terrible, what the heck.

[@alessbritish228]

@@EasyGreekVideos Please don't imitate his expressions, it's just awkward for everyone!

[@giovaneitalia8312]

@@EasyGreekVideos mia facia, mia raza

[@wonderlandian8465]

Greek people are Southern Europeans. Which means that they naturally have dark features (ever heard the term "olive skinned") Latin people (Assuming you are talking about Latin America) have huge amounts of Southern European DNA (Due to the colonization from the Spanish) so there definitely will be similarities between them and Southern Europeans. Also , Greece had an influx of Slavic DNA so in certain places (especially Northern Greece) there is a lot of Slavic admixture which creates the dichotomy.