Makedonikos Antikristos dance is a traditional Greek folk dance literally meaning “Face-to-Face dance from Macedonia”. This Southeast European dance form is a “traditional” dance said to have originated from a city called Kozani located in southern Greece. Furthermore, this is a partner dance mainly performed by couple.
A. History/origin of the Makedonikos Antikristos dance:
According to the cultural history of Greece, this dance style was first created in regions such as Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus as well as on the islands of Agean. Furthermore, it was then named Antikristos which when literally translated means “two dancers facing each other”.
B. Costumes used in the Makedonikos Antikristos dance:
The costumes worn in this dance form varies according to the gender as follows:
1. For men:
The attire worn will include a white long robe, a purple overcoat, a pair of shoes, and a red hat.
2. For women:
The attire worn will include a colourful dress, headgear, and a pair of shoes.
C. Music involved in the Makedonikos Antikristos dance:
The musical instruments mainly involved in this dance style include a mixture of stringed instruments i.e. chordophones, wind instruments i.e. aerophones and drum instruments i.e. membranophones.
D. Training availability and technique involved in the Makedonikos Antikristos dance:
In terms of technique, this dance is performed by a couple i.e. usually a male and female. Furthermore, the performers position themselves “face-to-face”, and then dance to the rhythm of accompanying music using lively feet movements. As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this “traditional” dance is mainly performed in southern Greece.