Xesyrtos

History

A Greek dance that I learned from Kyriakos Moisidis in 2009.

Rhythm

The music is in a 4/4 rhythm, split into 1-1-2 (quick, quick, slow) or 2-2 (even slow steps).

Steps

Start off in a line with arms in a W hold.

The first part of the dance is in a quick, quick, slow rhythm moving to the right and slightly in to the centre.
Step to the side with the right (quick), cross the left behind (quick), then step to the side with the right (slow).
Step across in front with the left (quick), to the side with the right (quick), and across in front with the left (slow).
On the last step bring the arms down to a V hold.

The second part of the dance moves out and slightly to the right. All the steps are slow.
Step back with the right while bringing the arms back up to a W hold, then lift the left foot in front. Step back with the left, then lift the right in front.

The dance matches the musical phrase, but starting with the singing is easiest.

Music

Xesyrtos from a workshop CD produced by Kyriakos Moisidis.

Dance description by Andy Bettis 8/2009