Click on a region on the map to read about the dances.

Aegean Islands

Foties

The name, meaning "fires", refers to the lit candles held while dancing. This comes from Mytilini (Lesvos).

Hiotiko

a Ballo (couple-dance) from the isle of Chios, which is known for its flavorful Mastich (gum).

Ikariotiko

from the isle of Ikaria, the mythical landing spot of Icarus, who flew too close the sun and fell. The syncopated beats/steps of this dance are very unique.

Kapetanissa

this means "female captain" and is an upbeat dance

Kalymniko (Leriko)

in this dance done on both the island of Leros and Kalymnos, dancers are linked by a basketweave handhold, and the line moves forward and back, reminiscent of the tide.

Mihanikos

Meaning the "machine", the name refers to what sponge divers of the isle of Kos called the infamous diving bell which allowed them to dive deeper for sponges, but which left many crippled from the effects of the bends.

Samiotiko

from the green isle of Samos, from which many of our parishoners hail.

Plataniotiko Nero

Means "Water of Platanos" which is a village on Samos known for its spring water.

Sousta Naxos

The word "sousta" means spring and refers to the bouncy movement of this dance from the isle of Naxos. Many islands have their own version of a sousta, but this one is unique in that it is danced with 2 lines led by one leader.