Boston Lykeion Ellinidon

A syrtos/ballos from Asia Minor.

Lyrics

Τα μάτια σου με κάψανε
μα εγώ τα καμαρώνω.
Σαν κάνω μέρες να τα δώ
κλαίω και δεν μερώνω

Asia Minor was the old name of the peninsula between the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas and is part of present day Turkey. The satellite photo below shows the region of Asia Minor and its location relative to the neighbouring islands.

Aise, pronounced A-ee-s'e, is a [karsilama] danced in [Lesvos] and the coastal regions of Asia Minor.

Georgitsa is a women's dance from Asia Minor with a similar rhythm to aptalikos.

Lyrics

Εγώ 'λεγα να σ'αγαπω Γεωργίτσα μου
κανείς να μην το ξέρει.
Tώρα το μάθανε οι δικοί Γεωργίτσα μου
το μάθανε κι ξένοι

Olmaz, a Turkish word meaning 'never', is an aptalikos dance from Asia Minor.

Lyrics

(Many thanks to Dimitris Tzotzis for clarifying the lyrics for us)

Από τα γλυκά σου μάτια
τρέχει αθάνατο νερό σβεντίμ αμάν
και σου γύρεψα λιγάκι και δε μου 'δωσες
και δε μου 'δωσες να πιώ.
Ολμάζ πιπίνι μου Ολμάζ, να με πεθάνεις πολεμάς
να με πεθάνεις πολεμάς, Ολμάζ πιπίνι μου Ολμάζ.

Yiar-yiar is a quick-paced dance from Asia Minor. It is danced in a circle by both men and women. The step involves several quick steps to the right followed be a few slower steps back.

The defi is a large drum with cymbals, much like a large tambourine. It was often the only instrument used in many dances of Asia Minor. The melody was sung by the dancers as they repeat or respond to a single verse sung by the lead singer/dancer.

Leilalim is a sta tria-style step danced by the women of Cappadocia in Asia Minor. One woman sings a verse that is then repeated by the rest of the dance line. There are no musical instruments other than the Defi drum.