Dancing Syrtos in Pairs
Posted
by Christos on Saturday, January 07, 2006
Traditionally, the Syrtos in Lesvos was danced Smyrna-style, in pairs - normally two men or two women - and this is still a very popular way of dancing. When there are only two people dancing, they are much freer to choose their ways of dancing, some of which are difficult when dancing in a larger group.Side-by-Side (Promenade Step)
The dancers, side-by-side with inner hands linked, dance forwards and backwards (usually four bars forward and four bars back, if there is room).
Face-to-Face
This looks a bit like a Karsilamas, but the music and the steps are Syrtos. The dancers are joined with a single handhold, with or without a handkerchief. They dance in place, stepping to the right and then to the left, often behind or in front of the other foot. The dancers may move round to the right, circling each other. One dancer may turn under the arm of the other.
Maypole Formation
Four dancers hold the corners of a handkerchief or other piece of cloth with their left hands, dancing round it to the right as if they were holding the ribbons of a maypole. They may change hands, and go round the other way, or backwards.