TURKISH TRADITIONAL DANCES

TURKISH TRADITIONAL DANCES

Horon

The Horon dance originated many centuries ago in the region of the Black Sea. Today this region comes under the domain of Turkey. The dance style is reminiscent of the Pontus and is considered to be one of the national dances of Turkey.

Greek and Persian influence can clearly be seen in this unique Turkish dance form. The terms used to describe the style such as “Horoi” and “Horo” literally translate as dance in English. The term comes from the ancient Greek language. The dance steps have a constant circular movement with the dancers taking distinctive short steps to characterize the movement.

The Turkish Twist
The Horon dance is accentuated by the Tremoulo movement. This is a fast shaking of the upper part of the body. It is achieved by twisting the back on its natural axis and this is what lends color to the dance form. Dancers align in a single file and then form a circle when looking to perform the horon dance.

There are many variations of the Horon dance but most of them bear striking resemblance to Greek dances of the past. The only obvious difference in the Turkish style Horon dance is the fact that the dancing troupe does not have a lead dancer. Rather, the dancers make a single formation and synchronize all movements with each other.



The Turkish addition to this ancient Greek dance was the rapid moving dance step of the upper torso. This innovation is quite recent compared to the rest of the dance style. It is believed that this dance step takes inspiration from the silver anchovy fish’s shimmying which is found in great abundance in the neighboring Black Sea. The fish is a prominent part of the cuisine of the North Anatolian culture.

Origins of the Turkish Horon Dance

It is believed that trading by sea routes caused the Persians to mix with the Greeks and this is how the Turks got exposure to this ancient dance form. Whether it came at the hands of merchants or migrating troops, the Turks added their own twist to this classic dance and made it a prominent part of their culture. Other forms of dances such as the Irish jig and the River Dance are said to have evolved from the Turkish Horon dance.

Every region of Turkey has its own take on the Turkish Horon dance. It is known by many different names across the country. For example Omal meaning calm and Argon meaning slow are two popular versions of this classic dance style. Similarly, in some regions they practice the “so gonaton” style that is on the knees and then you have the fast paced “Tromakton” which literally translates as fiercely.

Other popular variations of the Turkish Horon dance include “Karslidikon”, meaning from Kars, “Dipat” the double step dance step and the “Ters” which means the wrong-footed dance. Today the Horon dance is used to entertain tourists to the region and is quite an attraction for foreigners. Some of these dance steps have been incorporated into modern dance styles with some variations as well.

Zeybek 

The zeybek is a form of folk dance peculiar to Western, Central and southern Anatolia in Turkey. It is named after the Zeybeks.

All zeybek dances have a common characteristic form, but the positioning of the arms and body differ according to the different regions. The rhythm is also very characteristic, a pattern of nine slow beats: 9/4 = 2+2+2+3 beats or 3+2+2+2 with occasional variations.

Zeybek melodies can be divided according to their tempo: ağır (slow) and kıvrak (fast). The ağır zeybek have rhythmic patterns of 9/2 or 9/4, which begin with an introduction called gezinleme in free style where the dancers wander freely before starting to dance in time with the rhythm. There is, however, no gezinleme introduction in female zeybek dances. Kıvrak zeybek have rhythmic patterns of 9/8 or 9/16.

Belly Dance

Belly dancing is a term that is associated with the traditional dance form in the Middle East. It is an art where a dancer shows an amazing skill and control. The way she moves her hips in controlled motion is certainly something exceptional. Basic movements are based on hip oscillation or swaying which actually is the most distinguishable for this dance form, by a novice as well. Other than these movements, there are specific jerks, twists, lifts and drops. However, there are a lot of variations which have now been added up to the whole art of this dance. These variations can be witnessed in Turkish Belly Dancing.

Turkish Belly Dancing Music

Turkish Belly dancing is also inspired by the same traditional one; however, the most distinctive feature of Turkish belly dance is the music. The music that is used for this dance is something that can be related to Turkish culture. There are different instruments as well which are used to create that enigmatic atmosphere in which this dance is performed. Some of the most widely used are Clarinet, Kanoon Oboes, and hand drums. Along with these instruments, use of Zill’s or finger cymbals is quite common, rather all  Turkish dancers use it in their dancing.

The whole dance is actually associated and deeply connected with different instruments. That is one of the reasons that belly dancing is supposed to be  difficult to learn as  whole beats of the music are to be grabbed and improvised by dance steps. As the instruments that are used in Turkish dance are quite upbeat, so, expect the same in dancing style. Usually, the dance gets underway by some specific entrance steps. Although, moves in here are based on the traditional steps, there certainly are some of the steps that are only the specialty of Turkish style of dancing. These dance moves contain specific arm movements to start with which then get complicated with time. Hip drops are the other steps which are used with less complexity in the beginning.

Turkish Veil Dancing

Veil dance is an amazing form where these dancers use different sorts of things such as a veil. Some of these things include angel wings and butterfly wings. The basic steps in here are done with more complexity and zeal, so, the audience really can get on their toes. With the passage of time, more and more perplexing and articulate movements come in the dance which makes it much more enjoyable and a treat to watch.

Turkish belly dance is something that is quite closely related to that of the cabaret style dances and it is easily discernable in that reference. The dresses that are usually used in this form of dance are quite embellished and adorned with different sorts of glittering objects. Always expect the use of coins and beads along with other things. But as the dance is quite influenced by cabaret dancing, so, the dresses are often quite revealing. These dancers often proceed to take tips and the audience can also have an opportunity to dance with these dancers, at the ending or exiting point of the dance. However, that obviously is more prominent in Turkish restaurants.