Crete
Crete: One of the largest Greek islands formally united with Greece in 1913 after the Balkan Wars. The tradition of heroism is cherished by the Cretans themselves and associated with them by the rest of the Greeks. The most distinctive instrument upon which their music is the Cretan lyra. Their dancing, even at its most lyrical, is syncopated, clipped and explosive in quality.
Dances:
Syrto: This dance originated in the city of Hania in western Crete and is thus known on Crete as Haniotikos. The steps of the original version may be done either left-to-right or in-and-out of the circle. The rhythm is a faster and the opposite of most other syrtos. The leading male dancer will leap in the air, hitting his thigh and boots, supported only by a handkerchief held by the second dancer. As the lead dancer tires, another man replaces him, who seems intent on leaping higher and more often then the previous! The base of the music for Cretan Syrto is the Cretan lyra.
Sousta: is a dance of love and passion. The male dances opposite his female adversary, and tries to entice her with steps full of longing, with promises, lively gestures, and quick, burning glances. The woman dances with small, delicate steps, and graceful and gentle movements of her hands and her head. She gives him quick, passionate glances that one moment repel him and the next moment give him hope. In Greek, Sousta means
spring, and this dance took its name from the springing movements in the dancers' steps.
Pentozali: literally means, five dazed steps, and was done by armed warriors during ancient times. A Cretan lyre provides the rhythm, and the dancers holding hands begin to dance slowly. As the music quickens, so do the steps and the dance reaches a frenzy speed, ending suddenly when the lyra does.
Maleviziotiko: from the city of Iraklio, Crete. Other regions of Crete have their own variations. The dancers cut into the circle with eight large steps and then come straight back out with eight smaller steps, the same pattern in reverse.
