Ikariotikos

29 August 2010 By Manos 0

Dance
Dancing culture of the region: 

The music of Aegean islands is very delightful and lyrical and as such portrayed in its dances. These are characterized by the lightness of steps and the springing in the knees. In spite of its small size, Ikaria is very interesting from a musical point of view because it presents a combination of the music of the Southern Aegean (Kassos, Karpathos and Crete), the Northern Aegean (Samos, Chios, etc.), the Western Aegean (Cyclades Islands) and the coastal regions of Asia Minor. The dances of Ikaria are popular throughout the Greek islands. The violin has replaced the lyre. Other instruments are becoming rare such as the "tsabouna" (island bagpipe) and the "pidavli" (type of flute). One of the most popular dances is the Ikariotikos or Kariotikos (or Pidihtos). It is a shoulder-held mixed circular dance that consists of two parts.

Ikariotikos
Steps: 

1. SLOW
The right foot starts a leap and steps with the whole sole to the direction of the circle, bending a bit. At the same time the left foot comes over the right foot and stays in a cross position with it, almost straight (the sole is low, close to the ground).
2. QUICK
The left foot follows a circular orbit and stays slightly bended and lifted behind the right foot. Simultaneously, the right foot boosts a hop.
3. QUICK
The left foot (which is behind the right) steps with the toes behind the heel of the right foot. Simultaneously, the right foot raises from the ground and comes in front, slightly bent. Note: During steps 1 to 3 the torso faces the centre of the circle.
4. SLOW
The right foot (which is raised in front) steps with the whole sole to the direction of the circle (the right foot bends and the body weight is put on it). Simultaneously, the left foot is raised, slightly bent, close to the heel of the right foot.
5. QUICK
The left foot steps with the toes at its original position (behind the heel of the right foot). Simultaneously, the right foot is raised at its previous position.
6. QUICK
The right foot steps with the whole sole to the direction of the circle (small step). Simultaneously, the left foot is raised behind the right foot.
7. SLOW
The left foot crosses over the right foot and steps with the whole sole to the to the direction of the circle. Simultaneously, the right foot is slightly raised.
8. QUICK
The right foot steps with the toes to the direction of the circle (small step). Simultaneously, the left foot is raised slightly from the ground.
9. QUICK
The left foot crosses over the right foot and steps with the whole sole towards the direction of the circle, while the left foot is slightly raised from the ground. After step 9, in order to repeat the sequence of steps, we carry out the leap of the first step with a simultaneous twist of the torso towards the centre of the circle.

The steps for this dance
Notes: 
application/pdf iconIkariotikos.pdf
References: 

Roumpis, G. 1993. Elliniki Hori. Athens, Greece: Smpilias publishers.