Yassou! Greek Folk Dancing is an important, age-old tradition in Greece dating all the way back to the days of Plato and Aristotle. Over the years, many unique dances have formed in different regions of Greece to celebrate various occasions such as weddings, engagements, war/peace time, feast days, etc. – and each dance helps share the narrative of those who originally danced it and continue to dance it today.

In this Decal, we will be learning a new Greek dance every week to gain exposure to the breadth of styles from the different regions. We will also have some extra exposure to the culture and of course, the cuisine.

Class time will mostly be spent dancing – so come relaxed and ready to laugh a LOT and have a great time.

Opa!

Course Requirements: P/NP, 1 unit

1. Attendance is key as this is an active participation and performance class. Therefore, no more than three absences will be allowed for a passing grade.

2. Group Projects (see below)

3. Quizzes- dance identification and background information

Group Projects: Groups of 3-4 people give a 5-8 minute presentation to the class on anything related to any form of dance or pertinent to Greek culture. A list of the names of group members and the group topic must be turned in to the instructors for topic approval. Projects will be presented on TBA.

Past Group Project Examples: Teach the class another Greek dance or a dance from another culture. Research the history of a region in Greece and its dance: Thrace, Epirus, Macedonia, Crete, and other islands. Present an aspect of Greek culture: food, holidays, etc. **Have fun and don't be afraid to get creative!

Readings

Petrides, Theodore and Elfeida. Folk Dances of the Greeks. New York, NY: Exposition Press, 1961. Print.

Petrides, Ted. Greek Dances. Athens, Greece: Lycabettus Press, 1975. Print.

*We will provide print-outs

Grading:

Students are graded on class attendance and participation, the group presentation, and the quizzes. In order to pass the class, students must:

a. Miss no more than 3 classes.

b. Earn passing grades on the group project and quizzes.