Sampaï - Greece

Sampai
Σαμπαϊ

Kozani, Greek Macedonia

Pronounced Sah-bah-ee /sabaji/

Notes by Andrew Carnie, November 1, 2005, based on Elias Politis’ teaching at the Opa in the Desert Symposium. Tucson Arizona.

From Elias Politis’ commentary: “A Free Style dance, performed during all Kozani parties, is the ultimate favorite of the elderly and party connoisseurs.” (Ελεύθερος χορός που χορεύεται σε όλα τα γλέντια των κοζανιτών. Ιδιαίτερα αγανητό στους ηλικιωμένους και στους μερακλήδες).

Carnie’s notes: Politis kept emphasizing that this was not a çiftetelli. The styling clearly is not (body is held stiff, and the emphasis on the first two counts is different), but it obviously belongs in the çiftetelli family.

Free style couple’s dance. men’s hands and slightly forward at shoulder height, women’s hands on hips.

4/4

The Dance

Bar 1 Step with a bent knee on R foot (1), straighten the knee with a čukče (2), Cross L in front of R (3), Step backwards on R (4)

Bar 2 repeat bar 1 opposite footwork.

You are turning as you do the step.