Greece for Kids — Kalamatiano — All Around This World

The iconic Greek dance known as The KALAMATIANO sure isn’t easy. The music’s basic rhythm has seven beats, broken into groups of three, two and two. The dance itself has 12 steps, 10 of which move the dancers counterclocksie and two which take the dancer backward, clockwise. Usually a leader starts the dance, sharing a handkerchief with a second dancer who does elaborate moves. The rest of the dancers hold hands and glide in a counterclockwise circle.
You’ll most likely dance the Kalamatiano to the lamenting folk song Milo Mou Kokkino: “My red apple, my scarlet pomegranate,
why have you made me wilted and bitter…?”