#Dance
LOCALISING
THE UNIVERSALS
‘A life without dancing is a not worth living’, so we’ve added many easy-to-learn and practice dance workshops with group activities in the festival programme.
Our many dance performers and workshop facilitators will be ready to help, guide and invite us into a series of performances and activities across the squares of the villages of Kastro, Gliki, Aya Teodoroi, Agridia and Shinudi.
JOIN US AT IMVROSFEST ON AUGUST 18-21 2022
European Folk Dances
Balfolk Dances
Balfolk is an umbrella term that brings together many dances from various countries and regions of Europe. First used as a term in the 70’s, it has spread to many countries of Europe with the increasing interest in these dances and music. Balfolk includes dances from many different countries and regions, and naturally creates a platform for cultural interactions. The variety of dances, from simple to difficult, from couple to group, from slow to fast, allows everyone to find a place for themselves. Balfolk dances have been practised in Istanbul since September 2015. Various workshops, dance nights and festivals are held by the organisation of the Balfolkist group.
Dance is a reflection of the culture and the country and Balfolk mirrors these cultural differences between countries. One of these differences can be observed in Italy. Italy is one of the countries where Balfolk culture is most prevalent, and events are held in public squares and parks under the name Mazurka Klandestina. Klandestina means “meeting and gathering in secret” in Italian. The squares that do and should belong to the public are used by the people in the best possible way.
During the festival, we will perform Balfolk dances in the squares of different villages of Imvros and make our presence felt.
You will have the opportunity to learn group dances at the Balfolk Dance workshops.
The workshop will be held by
Esra Hızır and Simge Demiral.
Credit: Songcatcher Ethnomusicology Channel
Dances from Imvros Island
There are certain dances that are frequently performed at weddings, gatherings and events on Imvros island. As a part of their culture, music and dance gather people together in agoras of the island. In the workshop, you will be able to learn the steps of the Karsilama and Sirtos dances and have the opportunity to perform learned dances with the people living on the island.
The workshop will be held by
Esra Hızır and Simge Demiral.
Dances from Albania and Macedonia
Music and dance is an integral part of the culture in many Balkan countries. In the Balkan lands hosting different cultures, the variety of dances is a reflection of multiculturalism. Group and chain dances are common forms of dances in this region. In the workshop, you will have a chance to learn dances from Albania and Macedonia.
The workshop will be held by
Gianmarco Armellin
Dances from Greece
Although Sirtaki is one of the first dances that everyone knows when it comes to Greek dances, there are various dances with different music and movements in Greek culture. These dances reveal varieties in different islands and mainland regions, and public events that are full of music and dance create a platform to unify people. In the workshop, we will learn Karagouna and Ikariotikos dances from Greece.
The workshop will be held by
Gianmarco Armellin
Dance has been a nonverbal language based on movement as a means of communication, interaction and relationship.
Anatolian Folk Dances
Dances from Black Sea
In this workshop, you will experience basic Horon. In a short space of time you will learn to dance in 10 steps, preparing you to be able to join almost any Horon group dance. A pleasant workshop awaits you, accompanied by kemençe melodies played by our workshop facilitator.
The workshop will be held by
Batuhan Altay.
Dances from Bakûr
Govend is an umbrella term consisting of Kurdish halay forms and has spread over a wide geography. It means sharing and unity that takes place especially in weddings, festivals, harvest times and various other social events. In the workshop, you will be able to learn the Şemâme and Bablekan dances from the Van-Hakkari region.
The workshop will be held by
Berivan Avcı.
Credit: @govendlondon
Dances from Armenia
Armenian dances are generally performed in large groups by holding hands in a circle and performing the same movements together. The most common instruments for dance music are drums and the zurna. In the workshop, you will learn an Armenian dance called Tamzara. Tamzara is one of the most common folk dances of Armenians. This dance is generally performed at weddings and celebrations. There are also dances called Tamzara performed to the same melody by Azerbaijani, Greek and Assyrian peoples.
The workshop will be held by
Şeniz Öztorun Baş.
