The Balos (or Ballos) is far more than just a folk dance; it is a vibrant, lyrical piece of Greek cultural heritage, embodying the spirit and romantic tradition of the Aegean Islands. As one of the best-known island folk dances in Greece, the Balos serves as a playful ritual of courtship, where rhythm, grace, and flirtation seamlessly intertwine.
The very name of the dance hints at its ancient roots and subsequent influence. The word Balos is often traced back to the Greek verb (ballizo), meaning “to dance” or “to jump,” which was later borrowed and adapted into the Latin ballo and Italian ballo before returning to modern Greek. The dance is recognized as having ancient Greek elements blended with influences from the Mediterranean, demonstrating Greece’s long and diverse cultural evolution.
The Balos dance is characterized by a generally joyous and lyrical melody, typically set to a brisk, lilting 2/4 time signature. This bright musical quality is distinctively characteristic of the Aegean island sound.
Balos: The Greek dance of courtship
At its core, the Balos is a couple’s dance and a vital social expression of flirtation and attraction. In traditional island societies where interactions between men and women were often restricted, the dance provided a structured yet passionate avenue for courtship.
The choreography incorporates all the elements of a romantic pursuit: attraction, display of prowess, pursuit, and eventual surrender.
The dance is almost exclusively performed by individual couples, who move in spontaneous forms around the dance floor, often acting as if they are the only two people in the room, even when many other couples are dancing simultaneously.
Male dancers frequently perform spectacular, intricate steps and solo improvisations known as tsalimia. These skilled maneuvers—often involving stamps, small jumps, and swagger—are intended to display masculine skill and attract the woman’s attention.
A signature, high-energy move involves the couple performing swift, continuous rotations known as voltes or furles. The couple spins back-to-back or side-by-side while maintaining a handhold, a demanding move that adds to the visual spectacle.
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The Syrtos connection
In many island festivities, the Balos is rarely performed in isolation. It often follows and emerges from another traditional dance: the Syrtos (a slower, circular, dragging dance).
The event begins with dancers forming a circle for the Syrtos. As the music accelerates and transitions into the characteristic rhythm of the Balos, the dancers break off from the line to begin their individual, flirtatious couple dances. This sequence highlights the transition from communal unity to individual expression.
While the spirit of the Balos remains consistent, its steps and energy levels vary significantly across the islands.
