A video showing a group of students from Kyoto University in Japan performing a traditional Pontic Greek dance has gone viral on social media, sparking a wave of online enthusiasm.
The video, captioned “When Japan meets Pontus,” shows the students mastering the intricate steps of the Serra dance, a powerful symbol of Pontic Hellenism. Under the guidance of dance teacher Babis Kyrmanidis, the students move to the compelling sound of the Pontic lyra, played by Socrates Mouratidis.
@babis_kyrma Όταν η Ιαπωνία γνωρίζει τον Πόντο 🇯🇵🇬🇷🕊️ @Sokratis Mouratidis #Pontiaka #viral #japan #japanese #greece #fyp #greekdance
♬ πρωτότυπος ήχος – babis_kyrma
Dance is deeply rooted in the identity of Pontic Greeks
The Serra dance is deeply rooted in the history and identity of the Pontic Greeks, who originate from the Black Sea region of modern-day Turkey. Often described as a “war dance,” it is widely believed by scholars to be a variation of the ancient Pyrrhic dance, performed by warriors. A study by Alexia Ioannidou of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki notes that the dance, performed exclusively by men, mimics battle formations.
However, historical records also show the Serra was a dance of entertainment, performed at major Christian festivals by people of various ethnic backgrounds. Its name is thought to be derived from the Sera River valley in the Trabzon region of Pontus, where it was primarily danced.
The dance itself is a physical and energetic display, characterized by rapid body movements, a unified forward press of the dancers, and forceful foot stomping. It consists of three parts: the “slow Serra,” the “fast Serra,” and “the Serra of our hands,” with the core steps based on another Pontic dance known as the Tik. It is traditionally accompanied by the Pontic lyra and a drum.
The viral video serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Serra dance, demonstrating its ability to transcend cultural and geographic boundaries and find new audiences in a modern, globalized world.
Related: Pyrrhichios: The Ancient Greek War Dance
