Women's karsilamas suite (Cyprus)

Rhythm

9/8 · Slow

Formation

Two women facing each other; in the third they hold a handkerchief.

Instruments

Violin, Laouto, Pithkiavli (flute), Defi (frame drum)

Occasion

Wedding, Village festival, Gathering

Character

• Solemn
• Reflective

Who dances it: Couples

The suite of women's face-to-face dances in the Greek-Cypriot tradition, more restrained than the men's. In the first the arms are low or folded, in the second one or both hands rest on the waist ("koxa"), and the third is danced with a handkerchief ("mantilouin"). The third was also the dance of the newlyweds, danced for the guests on the last night of the wedding. All are in 9/8.

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Its story

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What they wear

• Women’s festive costume Cyprus Women’s
• Men’s festive costume Cyprus Men’s

Where it’s danced

• Cyprus · origin