Count (1) The right foot steps in the direction of the circle (the toes of the right foot along with the trunk are directed to the left, diagonally). Count (2) the left foot steps with the motion of the circle crossing behind the right foot (the toes of the left foot along with the trunk are directed to the left, diagonally). On counts (3) and (4) the steps are identical to those danced in the basic version (the trunk turns to face the direction of the dancing). Count (5) same as in count (1). Count (6) same as in count (2). The remaining steps, from (7) to (12) are identical to the steps danced in the simple version.
Notes Various versions of Syrtos Kalamatianos can be found around Greece, with each one adopting the local character of the area where it is danced, with the dance always maintaining its basic characteristics. The following variations can be found: A)Crossing (forward)in steps 8, 9 and steps 11,12 with the feet kept at the same point: At step 8 the left leg crosses over the right leg with the toes touching the ground in front of the toes of the right foot (Body weight on the right foot). The left leg remains at that point for step 9. Similarly on the opposite side, ie in step 11 the right leg crosses over the left leg with the toes right if front of the toes of the left foot (body weight is now on the left foot). B)Crossing (behind) in steps 8,9 and 11,12: In step 8 the left leg crosses behind the right leg with weight bared on the toes.In step 9 the right leg stay in its position, in front of the left leg.In step 11, the right leg crosses behind the left leg with the weight on the toes. In step 12, the left leg stays at its position, in front of the right leg. C)In step 2 left leg to the back: The only difference is in step 2, where the left leg goes behind the right. The following steps as previously described. D)In step 4, a small leaping up: Before making step 4 with our left foot, there is a small jump with the right foot. In the first 2/3 of the step 4, there is a small hop on the right foot while simultaneously the left lrg lifts from the ground, bent on the knee, and steps in the direction of the dance (hoping on the right foot and steping on the left foot in step 4). Notes: A) When turning, men keep their arms extended while women keep them at their waist. B) The trunk is in an upright position. C) The variation starts while being at position 12, ie with right leg bent over the left leg.To facilitate the turn extend the right leg dynamically to the right and a bit behind, in order to provide the momentum to the trunk for the right turn. D) The first dancer, who usually performs this variation, whose right arm is freed, can bent it while movinf it in front of his/her chest at position 12, short before the turn. In that way, in step 1 the extended right arm follows the move of the right leg, facilitating in this way the turn of the trunk to the right. LEADER'S OPTIONS The leader, should he feel like it, may improvise on the basic step by adding turns, spins, and other variations, such as: A. 2 AND 6 BACK Count (1) The right foot steps in the direction of the circle (the toes of the right foot along with the trunk are directed to the left, diagonally). Count (2) the left foot steps with the motion of the circle crossing behind the right foot (the toes of the left foot along with the trunk are directed to the left, diagonally). On counts (3) and (4) the steps are identical to those danced in the basic version (the trunk turns to face the direction of the dancing). Count (5) same as in count (1). Count (6) same as in count (2). The remaining steps, from (7) to (12) are identical to the steps danced in the simple version. B. TURNS
The leader may do one or two turns (CW or CCW), usually during the firs one or two meas. These are generally travelling turns in LOD and the leader may or may not release the handkerchief (or the second dancer's hand, if a handkerchief is not being used).
C. THROUGH THE ARCH
The leader and the second dancer raise the handkerchief (or the second dancer's hand, if a handkerchief is not being used), forming an arch. The leader passes behind the second dancer. The second dancer turns slightly to his L and brings the arch fwd over his head as he ducks backwards under the arch. The leader and the second dancer then move in RLOD as the other dancers pass under the arch without releasing hands, turning and following the second dancer. When the last dancer has passed under the arch, the leader resumes the orig dir of the dance.
D. KNEE BENDS, LEAPS, SLAPS
The strenuous athletic tricks are rarely found in the Sirtos or Kalamatianos and are usually reserved for other dances, such as the Tsamikos. Even when they are found, it is usually the M who do them (although in recent years, W are also doing half-knee bends, low leaps, and light slaps). Slapping the shoe on the sole or side of the heel after a leap or deep knee-bend is typical and the cts on which the leader does these variations is up to him. Experienced dancers usually emerge from such variations exactly on the beat (or with a pause), so that the resumption of the general direction of the dance is smooth. It is advised that dancers practice at home, perfecting their leaps and slaps before attempting them as a leader on the dance floor.
HOLDING THE HANDKERCHIEF
The typical manner of holding the handkerchief by the second person in line is: Lay half of the handkerchief over the outstretched fingers of the R hand, thumb up. Reach around in back of the R with the L and, raising only the index finger of the R hand away from the others, thread the back half of the handkerchief through the gap formed from back to palm so that the halves hang down the palm and are looped over the index finger. Close the hand into a fist with the two ends of the handkerchief hanging out the bottom. Now, if weight is applied by the lead dancer, the handkerchief cannot be pulled through the fist. Experienced dancers manage to do this one-handed with a twist of the R wrist!
CHANGING LEADERS
The leader may relinquish the lead pos to a new leader of his choosing. Without releasing hands, he may head twd a dancer he wants to become the new leader and then, breaking into the line between the new leader and the next dancer behind him, takes the new leader's L hand with his R. The old leader switches the handkerchief so it is now between himself and the new leader. The cut-off portion of the line dances slower than before. The two portions of the line resume the hand-hold as the end of the new lead portion comes by the beg of the cut-off portion.
An alternative is for the old leader to simply release his hold on the hankerchief and walk to the opposite end of the line, leaving the second person as the new leader, who gives the handkerchief to the second in line.
Another alternative is for the old leader to ask someone to walk over and take the lead, transferring the handkerchief between himself and the new leader.
