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Zeibekiko (Template:Lang-el) is a Greek folk dance with a rhythmic pattern of 9/4 or else 9/8 (broken down as 1/8 + 1/16 + 1/16 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/16 + 1/16 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8).
Zeibekiko, or Zeimbekiko, is one of the most popular and beloved dances and rhythms in Greece. It is considered an urban improvisational dance.
Zeibekiko οrigins
There are two theories of the origins of the zeibekiko dance. A very greek-biased theory tells us that the name of the dance comes from the words Zei, as a derivative of Zeus, and the phrygian word bekos, which means bread according to Herodotus. The name used to symbolize the union of the spirit with the body, the earthly with the divine, the state in which the dancer was while dancing. Supposedly it was danced in ancient times in honor of Cybele, the mother-goddess.
Of course the above theory is unfounded, and cannot explain the gap between the ancient Greek etymology, and the "rebirth" of the dance which happened around the 13th century AD.
The globally accepted theory tells us that, although Zeibekiko is a Greek dance, its real origins is found in a particular dance of warriors in Anatolia (today’s Turkey), called Zeibeks. Zeibeks had a special dance in which performers simulated hawks, a posture also seen in modern-day zeibekiko, which is always danced with open arms, kept high on shoulder level. This old rhythmic dance was a little different, and less improvisational, as it was a typical tribal dance mostly in the villages of Aydin and Western Turkey. It was a dance known only to the Greeks living in Asia Minor, and it was introduced to the Greek mainland after the Greek genocide and the incoming refugees towards Greece.
The zeibekiko dance and rhythm, bearing something nostalgic, but yet brave and audacious, became naturalized in Greece and became a typical and popular Greek dance. It was re-introduced to Turkey as a Greek rhythm, since the original dance is considered more folkloric. Zeibekiko dance used to be a men’s dance, although during the last few decades women have also mastered the art of dancing it.
Zeibekiko composers
One of the most important Rebetiko composers, Markos Vamvakaris from the island of Syros, was one of the pioneers in importing, shaping and naturalizing zeibekiko dance. Some of the most known zeibekiko composers in Greece are Vassilis Tsitsanis, Apostolos Kaldaras, Stavros Xarhakos, Manos Loizos and many more.
The infamous Zeibekiko of Evdokia, one of the most known Greek Songs, is actually instrumental, because the sound and melody are so powerful that lyric writers refused to write lyrics on the melody, fearing that they will ruin it. It was composed by Manos Loizos.
Zeibekiko dance today
Zeibekiko is danced by one person only and is of free choreographic structure. In older times if a second dancer got up to dance, it would be considered as an insult to the first dancer. However, in the 21st century a certain dance etiquette has evolved, so that other men wait to take turn after, and if the dancer stops. Traditionally, applause was not sought nor commonly given, out of respect. This did not, however, lessen creativity, with dancers performing feats such as standing on a glass of wine or a chair or fireplace, or picking up a table, adding a sense of little braggadocio and sometimes even humor.
Zeibekiko is definitely one of the most beloved Greek dances, because it’s passionate and flamboyant. It is a personal dance, a way to express individuality, but also fears and desires, a way to unwind through music and dance. Usually only one person at a time may dance it and everyone else has to kneel down, forming a circle around the dancer, clapping following the rhythm and encouraging the dancer.
Zeibekiko dance does have some particular steps, but the most impressive dance is the one where the dancer shows his creativity, performing special feats, adding a personal touch to the occasion.
The real zeibekiko for Greeks, though, is heavy and full of passion, a gloomy dance; an expression of manhood and manly pain. An introverted dance that reflects the sorrow, anguish and pain of the dancer as well as his emotional distress and his losses.
Zeibekiko is one of the most commonly danced rhythms in Greek feasts, and when Greeks go to taverns or night clubs with live music.
See also
References
- Kilpatrick, David. "Ethnomusicology", Vol. 6, No. 3, Canadian Issue (Sep., 1972), p. 577.
- The Cornhill Magazine: 1957
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