CULTURE
From The Encyclopaedia of Greek Dance
THE ZALOGGO DANCE
In Greek folklore, the Zaloggo Dance holds a very special and emotive place. The historic events that surround the heroic act of 63 Souliotises (women from Souli), were first reported in the “Ethnic Newspaper” of Nafplion (Peloponese), on 18/6/1932.
Souli is a village in the Thesprotia province of Western Epirus. It climbs up the Zaloggo mountencrop, which sports a mighty deep gorge, that received the women of Souli, when they decided to die rather than fall in the hands of the enemy. During the War of Independence, the men of Souli fought and fell heroically, one by one. On the 23rd of December 1803, the 63 Souliotises, holding their children in their arms formed a circle and performed the Zaloggo Dance. Each one led a full circle and on reaching the crater, first threw in the child, then herself jumped into the abyss while the rest of the women clapped and applauded.
In this way they fell until none was left.
The song which the Souliotises sang while dancing their macabre Syrtos was based on a poem by the Greek ethnic poet Dionysios Solomos, best known from his verses to the Olympic Anthem and the Greek National Anthem; it said:
Farewell miserable world,
Farewell oh sweet life,
And as for you ill-fated home
Farewell for ever….
VASILO ARCHONDISA
(Vasilo = Girl’s name, Archontisa = Noble woman)
Vasilo Archontisa is a circle dance from Pogoni, Epiros, in 5/8 rhythm. It is danced to the sound of a song by the same name.
The song describes the kidnapping of a noble young woman, Vasilo, for ransom. The kidnapping took place in the village square of Metsovo in the beginning of the 20th century. Vasilo was the daughter of Nikolaki Averof, a Senator and niece of George Averof the then Prime Minister of Greece. The ransom was the equivalent in gold of the young woman’s body weight. Vasilo’s weight is recorded as 85 okades (ancient Turkish measurement*).
The villain was a notorious bandit by the name of Thymios Yakis, leader of a famous war-faring tribe of Sarakatsani.
The ransom was duly paid and the girl was returned to the bosom of her family. Thymios moved to Aidini (near Smyrna or Ismir as it is now called) and joined a guerrilla outfit. He died of a Turkish bullet while fighting the Tsets.
Vasilo Archondisa is still a popular dance in Epiros, the song a sad “miroloi” (dirge) and those who happen to know the story, are held captive of the same fascination as those performing the dance almost a century ago.
*1 oka = 750 g.
Kate Goodwin,
The Athena Dance Group,
Tauranga
Phone:(07) 576 9749
Email: kandn.goodwin@actrix.co.nz
GREEK EDUCATIONAL CENTRE
106 Western Springs Road, Mt Albert
Teacher - Mr Elias Pavlides - Phones 0274-338 843 or 09-634 9266, Email: peleta@ihug.co.nz, Website: www.ellinika.org.nz
Greek Language
If you are interested in learning the Greek language, for more information please contact the teacher - Mr Elias Pavlides - Phones 0274-338 843 or 09-634 9266, Email: peleta@ihug.co.nz