MOTHERLAND
research, performance, documentation
Motherland draws upon the folklore and cultural motifs of the Cypriot culture while reflecting upon my diasporic experiences as a first-generation Cypriot-American. The intention of this investigation is to discover and deepen my connections to my heritage and to explore how interpreting an established culture can be adapted into contemporary forms.
As an entry into exploring and honoring my Cypriot/Greek cultural heritage and identity, I am teaching myself as many traditional Greek dances as I can to see what physical and unconscious relationships my body/mind have to my generational and ancestral past. While this project is, or rather began as, an interrogation into the many facets of folklore and culture in relation to Greek traditional dance, the exploration of the topic, has become a serendipitous and subconscious journey through my childhood memories. The main image that has come forward is one of a flamingo. And I have started to explore its relationship to the Cypriot land and how its migration journey echoes my own (a cyclical one).
The project is therefore a collective palimpsest of cultural and personal embodied memory.
Learning
Learning the Hasapiko from a Greek dancer on YouTube.
Learning the Kalamatiana from a teacher in Crete on YouTube.
Dancing the Hasapiko with myself. TikTok Clone Filter.
Performing
Stage and Site-Specific Works exploring and incorporating Cypriot and Greek dance with contemporary dance forms.
Rehearsal footage from 2023 -- creating a site-specific, devised performance while in residence in Crete, Greece. The performers were artists who were also attending the residency with me at Mudhouse Art. A majority of the performers were visual artists working outside of their medium for this exploration. We met for two hours, every day, for two weeks to devise a 10 minute site-specific work inspired by the mountains and the village in Crete that we were living in. Rehearsals consisted of group meditation, improvisational games using environmental elements and automatic writing, and learning the basic elements of the Hasaposerviko, which is a modification of the Hasapiko folk dance which comes from Constantinople.
Just like the Sirtaki, Hasapiko is performed in a line or a circle, with the dancers placing their arms on their neighbors' shoulders. Hasapiko progresses from a slow to a faster pace. The faster-paced version is called Hasaposerviko. The word "Hasapiko" comes from the Turkish work "Hassip," for butcher, and the "Hasaposerviko" mean "fast butcher's dance." These dances now often performed as sort of celebration, often at a taverna, village fest, or wedding.
"The Butcher's Dance"
A concert dance exploration of the Hasapiko intergrated with contemporary dance for the Eastfield Dance Company for the Spring 2023 Dance Concert.
Dance of the Butcher's Guild
The Hasapiko (χασάπικο) means the butcher's [dance] is a Greek folk dance from Constantinople. The dance originated in the Middle Ages as a battle mime with swords performed by the Greek butchers' guild, which adopted it from the military of the Byzantine era.
Spread to mainland Greece
The Hasapiko made its way to mainland Greece during the Byzantine period. This movement allowed for the distinct dance style and technique to integrate with other Greek cultural traditions. This spread played a key role in shaping modern-day Greek folk dances and their significance within the country's cultural landscape. The integration of Hasapiko into mainland Greece further enriched the already diverse realm of Greek traditional music and dance styles, contributing to the evolution of these art forms. As a result, it has become an integral part of Greek folklore and continues to be celebrated as an essential aspect of Greek cultural heritage.
Distinctive characteristics of the dance
The Hasapiko dance is characterized by its strong, deliberate movements and the use of intricate footwork. The dancers typically hold their arms outstretched, with hands placed on each other's shoulders or waists. This creates a sense of unity and strength within the dance. The steps are often performed in a circular motion, symbolizing community and togetherness. Additionally, the dance is known for its syncopated rhythm, which adds an element of excitement and dynamism to the performance.
Furthermore, another distinctive feature of Hasapiko is its improvisational nature. Dancers often incorporate spontaneous movements and gestures into their performances, adding a personal touch to each rendition of the dance. This improvisation allows for creativity and individual expression within the traditional framework of the dance form -- thus keeping it fresh and engaging for both performers and audiences alike.
Performance vs. Social Dance
The Hasapiko dance holds significant cultural importance in Greece. Performance hasapiko is often showcased on stage or at events, featuring choreographed routines and elaborate costumes. It is a visual spectacle that aims to entertain and captivate audiences. In contrast, social hasapiko dance is participatory and encourages spontaneous expression, allowing individuals to engage with the tradition in a more informal setting. This form of dance fosters community bonding and keeps the tradition alive within local gatherings.
Landmarks
My favorite places. The places of my parents. Here is what they saw growing up. Here is where they wandered. Here are the places of my history.
Flamingos
Some of my first memories of being in Cyprus are full of flamingos. I would always ask to go to the salt lakes to find them. I loved to watch them glide through the water -- if it was winter -- and play in the sand -- if it was summer. But they always looked ready to fly, if necessary.
A flamingo in constant preparation.
A flamingo prepares.
A flamingo migrates.