Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 09:28, 16 September 2005

This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist by editing it. (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Zeibekiko (ζεϊμπέκικο) is a Greek improvisational solo dance. Its name comes from Zeybeks people of Asia Minor.

The dancer is surrounded by other people, who crouch on their knees whilst clapping the dancer. Throwing plates down at the dancers' feet remains a Greek custom. However, throwing flowers or whatever else the crowd can find that won't injure anyone (e.g. plastic plates) is becoming more common. It is the one of the most renowned Greek dances, and traditionally, was only performed by men. It is commonly referred to as the dance of dances, requiring incredible creativity, athleticism, and balance. This creativity serves to add to the mood of the zeimekiko, one of self expression and kinship wih the lyrics to which they are dancing, originally heavy lyrics. Hence in those days, applause was not sought after, nor common given out of respect. This however did not shadow the cretivity to a point of sullenness, with feats such as standing on a glass of wine / chair, picking up a table added a sense of bragadaccio & welcome humour. Zeibekiko is also a name of the style of music danced to, played in a 9/8 rythm.

This dance-related article is a stub. You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it.

• v
• t
• e

• Dance stubs
• Greek dances