Sirtaki

Sirtaki, also known as syrtaki, is a Greek dance created for the 1964 film Zorba the Greek. It is not a traditional folk dance but a modern choreography devised for the movie, intended to evoke a Greek atmosphere. The dance is closely associated with the film’s iconic score, Zorba’s Dance, composed by Mikis Theodorakis, and the on-screen choreography was created by Giorgos Provias.

The form blends elements from traditional Greek dances. Its steps are based on the hasapiko and the syrto, but the routine is performed in a single, continuous sequence that gradually accelerates. Dancers usually form a line or circle, holding hands or shoulders, and progress through a series of steps that move from slow, deliberate motions to quicker, more energetic movements. The progression from slow to fast tempo is a defining characteristic of the routine.

Cultural impact and reception have been significant. Sirtaki became widely recognized as a symbol of Greek culture beyond the film, and it is commonly taught and performed at social gatherings, festivals, and professional productions around the world. Despite its popularity, it is often misunderstood as a traditional Greek folk dance, when in fact it was created for a cinematic score and subsequently popularized as a Greek dance form. Variations exist in performance style, but the basic concept of a tempo-increasing chain dance remains central.