Hasapiko, a Southeast European form of dancing also known as “Butcher’s dance”. This “folk” dance is said to have originated from Greece, and was developed during the Middle Ages using elements belonging to the military of the Byzantine Empire. Apparently, there exists a slower form of this dance which usually makes use of a 4/4 meter, and is referred to as “heavy Hasapiko”. Furthermore, there also exists an evolved version of Hasapiko which is known as “Sirtaki”, which has been created by a choreographer Giorgos Provias for the 1964 comedy-drama film “Zobra the Greek”.
a. History/origin of the Hasapiko:
According to the cultural history of Greece, this dance was first created during the Middle Ages by including elements that were used frequently by military of the Byzantine Empire. Furthermore, this dance was performed for the first time by the “Butchers guild” in Greece.
b. Costumes used in the Hasapiko:
The costume mainly worn by the performers (i.e. male and female) in this dance include a white long sleeve shirt, a black trouser, a pair of shoes, and a cap.
c. Music involved in the Hasapiko:
The music used in this dance style generally uses either a 2/4 meter which is a fast version or a 4/4 version which is the slower version.
d. Training availability and technique involved in the Hasapiko:
In terms of technique, the performers initially arrange themselves in a line or circle by holding each other at the shoulder. Furthermore, they then dance to the rhythm of the accompanying music by using energetic steps such as hopping and leaping. As for training centers/schools, there none available around the world since this “folk” dance is mainly performed in Greece.