'Ballos' is the typical island dance in Greece. Its melody is generally joyous and lyrical, expressing the people of the Aegean islands. The name 'ballos' comes from the Italian word 'ballo' meaning dance. There is a reason for this. Between the 13th and 16th centuries, the Aegean islands belonged to several western European families or cities, like Venice, after the conquest of the capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople by the Crusaders. During this time 'Ballos' came to life.
'Ballos' always follows 'Syrtos' dance, which is of Greek origin. First the dancers move in an open circle holding hands, like in 'Kalamatianos', then they break in couples. When the couple is a man and a woman, 'Ballos' becomes a ritual and is a way of flirting.
The traditional musical instruments that accompany island dances are the violin, the lute and a kind of drum.
Matina and Nada
'Ballos' always follows 'Syrtos' dance, which is of Greek origin. First the dancers move in an open circle holding hands, like in 'Kalamatianos', then they break in couples. When the couple is a man and a woman, 'Ballos' becomes a ritual and is a way of flirting.
The traditional musical instruments that accompany island dances are the violin, the lute and a kind of drum.
Matina and Nada
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