Saturday, October 10, 2009

Tsamiko is one of the national dances of Greece, done in 3/4 rhythm; the name means "dance of the Chams." The Chams were Albanians who originally landed in the coastal region of Epirus in northwestern Greece. The national anthem of Greece is in Tsamiko rhythm, making it one of the few national anthems in the world that can be danced. Many versions and variations are done throughout Greece; most are the traditional men's Tsamiko that starts stepping to the right with the right foot. If you google Tsamiko on Youtube you will see many wonderful versions ranging from highly professional dance troupes to cell phone videos of parties. The variation I am teaching, which I learned from Joe Graziosi at Balkan Camp, starts crossing over with the left foot.