Kalamatiano

The Kalamatiano (Καλαματιανός) is one of the two national dances of Greece that is named after the town of Kalamata (Καλαμάτα). It is danced to a 7/8 rhythm and can be counted 1-2-3,1-2,1-2 with steps on the "ones". It can also be counted as slow-quick-quick. This popular dance has many variations, although there are certain common traits. The Kalamatiano is always danced in a circle. Dance forward (in the line of direction) for three measures and then back for one measure. This corresponds to 9 steps forward and 3 steps back. Songs Popular traditional songs include: Milo mou kokkino and Thalassaki. The song/dance 'O Yannis o Marathianos' is a combined Tsamiko-Kalamatiano dance.