PONTOS

Dances from Pontos were originally from the times of ancient Greece. They
survived  through the years within the culture of the Greeks in the area of
Pontos near the Black Sea, where they have been taught from generation to
generation. The dances of Pontos are primarily war dances to prepare for
battle and dances of a ritualistic character. The Greeks of Pontos have
preserved their traditions for centuries, since ancient times. They have
preserved their language, in which entire phrases of ancient Greek are still
used, as well as their religion, dances, and songs. The dances of Pontos are
very distinct and very different from the dances of other regions of Greece,
presumably due to the fact that Pontos was virtually isolated from mainland
Greece, being located within present day Turkey. In 1924 an exchange of
Turkish and Greek populations in certain areas occurred between the two
countries and the Greeks from Pontos came to mainland Greece.

Authentic Pontic dance is characterized by small, quick, precise steps, arm
swings, syncopated knee bends, and abrupt pauses. This styling is especially
apparent in Serra, a mens' dance. The rhythm of these dances is very difficult
and it is important that the dancers dance as a unit; kinetic distinction is
not centered on the lead dancer. The leader calls out guttural sounds which
are signals to the dancers. The music of Pontos is characterized by the sound
of the Pontic lyra or lyre which is sometimes accompanied by the large drum or
daouli.

Pontian dances performed by the Minoans

Dipat
Lahana
Letsina
Kostsari
Kotsangel
Serenitsa
Serra
Tamsara
Tik
Titara

Click here for photos of Pontian dances:

Kotsari
     1997-FDF-MII-Kotsari

Serenitsa
     1996-FDF-MI-Serenitsa

Serra
     1997-Festival-MI-Serra
     1997-Festival-MI-Serra2
     1997-GR-Ind Day-MI-Serra
     1999-FDF-MI-Serra

Tik
     1996-FDF-MI-Tik

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