Greek Sirtaki Line Dance
The class learns the sirtaki, a Greek dance done in a line with arms on each other's shoulders that gradually speeds up. Students work on coordinating side steps, adapting to tempo changes, and a sense of group unity.
How to play
- Form lines of 6 to 8 students, shoulder to shoulder, with arms resting on their neighbors' shoulders. Spend 2 minutes on where the dance comes from.
- Side step (4 minutes): step right, cross the left foot behind, step right, and touch the left toe forward; repeat to the other side.
- Rocking step (4 minutes): place the right foot forward, rock back, and lift the left knee slightly, always in 4 counts and without breaking the line.
- Link the steps into a 16-count sequence using the slow opening of the song (5 minutes).
- Speed-up (5 minutes): dance the whole song as it gets faster; the line that stays together to the end gets applause from the class.
- 2-minute wrap-up: talk about what was hardest when it sped up and how you helped each other in the line.
Rules
- Rest your arms on shoulders without pulling or hanging on your neighbors.
- If someone trips, the whole line stops and restarts the step.
- Lines stay at least 10 feet apart.
- Follow the direction set by the leader at the front of the line.
Variations
Easier
Side step only, no rocking step, always at a slow tempo.
Standard
Side step and rocking step linked as the music speeds up.
Harder
Add hops at the end of the song and form one big circle with the whole class.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: dance at the end of the line with a support partner, or keep the rhythm with arm movements from a chair.
- Visual impairment: stand in the middle of the line, where shoulder contact guides the steps.
- Lower fitness: step out during the fast part and rejoin whenever ready.
Learning goals
- Perform side and rocking steps in time with the music.
- Adapt movement to a tempo that keeps speeding up.
- Learn about a traditional Greek dance and its group spirit.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music
- speakers: 1
Teacher tip
Practice counting out loud first, then with the music. Put students with good rhythm at both ends of each line; the others follow them.
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