Traditional Dance in Drama Region (Northern Greece): Ethnographic Data and Rhytmical and Movement Analysis

Christos Papakostas1, Ioannis Prantsidis2, & Elizana Polatou1

1Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Hellas

2Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hellas

Abstract

The literature for the folk culture and more specifically for the dance in the region of Dramas is rela- tively limited regarding mainly the rituals of the Epiphany’s period (Theofania). In the present work the dance is examined in a more general frame and not only in combination with rituals. In the analysis of dancing repertory are also included reports in dances that are mainly met in the wider Eastern ‘s Macedonian territory. In general, the dances in Drama’s region might be distinguished in circular and face-to-face dances. The main particularity of these dances is that the form of dance can be transformed depending on the space. In open space certain dances are danced circularly, while in closed they are danced as face-to-face. In addition, the article provides rhythmical and movement analysis. Dances were selected using the criterion of diversity as for the form, the rhythm and the dancing motif.

Keywords: Eastern Macedonia, movement ethnography, fieldwork, dance transcription, education