GREECE: "Watch my... ZEIBEKIKO dance!"

The Zeibekiko dance (Greek: Ζεϊμπέκικο) is undoubtedly one of the most popular Greek dances around. It is known for its improvisational and freestyle form and it is characterized by a 9/8th’s rhythmic signature.

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. The head most often is crouched to the ground with eyes nailed down, totally oblivious to what is happening around. Hands play an important role along with the movement of the body to express what the dancer wants by giving the impression that sometimes he wants to hit, sometimes to avoid a hit, all in a fantastic interaction between music and movement. 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 not have particular steps, with the most impressive dance being the one where the dancer shows his creativity, performing special feats, adding a little humor and personal touch to the occasion.

The real zeibekiko for Greeks, though, is heavy and impassionate, a spoony dance; an introverted dance that reflects the sorrow, anguish and pain of the dancer as well as his emotional distress and his losses.

Zeibekiko is the most commonly danced rhythms in feasts, and when Greeks go to taverns or night clubs with live music.