Boston Lykeion Ellinidon

All forms of zeimbekiko are improvised solo dances counted in a 9/8ths rhythm. The modern version has eleven steps to the measure, as listed below. The beat is counted as follows:

__1__-and 2-__3__ __4__ __5__-and 6-__7__ __8__ __9__

or Quick-slow quick-slow slow quick-slow quick-slow slow slow

The beat can be broken down into a basic unit which is repeated twice and followed by a single (slow) beat. The basic unit is:
Quick-slow quick-slow slow
Counting in numbers:
__1__-and 2-__3__ __4__
__5__-and 6-__7__ __8__
__9__

Other 9/8 rhythms include the [aptalikos] and the [karsilamas]. While there is no set form to this dance, knowledge of the rhythm and feeling the beat is essential. To aid instruction, however, there are a few basic moves that can be built upon and we will make those available as soon as possible.