07 September 2010 By Stelios 0
The Minoic echo of Cretan dances reaches up to today, where tradition proclaims that Rea (as the great mother-Goddess) first taught the dancing art to the Kourites in order to cover the crying of the newborn Dias (Zeus). Dancing, therefore, was introduced in the Cretan's life from the ancient years; Cretans danced to demonstrate their bravery and courage. Chaniotis Syrtos is believed to be hundreds of years old and must have evolved through the centuries in the island of Crete. The melody of the contemporary version of the dance is probably originating from the times of the Byzantine Empire. Nowadays, Chaniotis is perhaps the most popular dance on the island. The dance derives its name from the area of Chania (and in particular from the Kissamos area), where the contemporary version was created and spread. It is sometimes mentioned as Kissamitikos (from Kissamos), Seliniotikos (from Selino), Rethemniotikos (from Rethymnon), Messaritikos (from Messara) etc. depending on the particular melody used, which differs slightly from place to place. The dance has a slow/medium pace, which varies depending on the temper of the dancers or the band. The dancers (both men and women) form an open circle and move anti-clock-wise, making small circular movements and revolutions. Chaniotis is considered the dance of love because it is made of small, delicate movements and performed with a slight melancholy.
The dancers, men and women, dance in an open circle, linking arms at shoulder level. The steps are slow, the movements simple, uniform and controlled. The leading dancer has an opportunity to carry out spectacular steps. 1) Left foot is raised a bit and lightly strikes the ground with the fingers and comes in lifting front. 2) Making circular movement to left and then behind, the left foot steps behind and comes on the right of the right foot. 3) The right foot steps right and little behind, near to the left foot. 4) The left foot comes in the front of the right foot and steps to the direction of the circular movement of the dancers, while the right foot is raised a little bit from the ground, bending lightly. The body turns right, slightly. 5) The right foot steps behind in its starting position. 6) The left foot comes in front of the right foot and steps contrary to the circular move of the dance. 7) The right leg comes in front of the left and steps to the left. Simultaneously, the left foot is raised lightly bent and turns a bit to the left. 8) The left foot steps back to its position. 9) The right foot steps to the direction of the circular move, but the forehead faces the centre of the circle. 10) The left foot steps above the right foot and steps to the direction of the circular move. 11) With the forehead towards the centre of the circle, the right foot makes a small circular movement and back to the starting position. Before it steps on the ground, the right leg can make a small circular movement, after it strikes first with the fingers of the left foot.
Roumpis, G. 1993. Elliniki Hori. Athens, Greece: Smpilias publishers.
