Kalamatianos

History

A very popular Greek dance.

Rhythm

The dance is usually danced in 4/4 (split 2-1-1) although it's also danced in 7/8 (split 3-2-2). Either way it's slow, quick, quick.

Steps

Start in a line, arms in a W hold, facing left.

Step backwards with the right (slow), back with the left (quick), then turn to face centre and step to the side with the right (quick).

Turning to face right with a little hop step forward with the left (slow), forward with the right (quick), and forward with the left (quick).

Step forward with the right (slow), forward with the left (quick), then replace the right (quick).

Turning to face centre step to the side with the left (slow), turn to face left and step forward with the right (quick), then replace the left (quick).

Once you have a feel for the dance you can be a bit more relaxed about the direction you're facing!

There are many, many variations.

Music

Mandili Kalamatiano from Return To Our Roots by Jim Stoyanoff.

Dance description by Andy Bettis 9/2007