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Πεντοζάλης
This dance is one of the most characteristic and representative of Crete. In former times it was performed by armed warriors, and for this reason it is still danced today (trans. note 1970) exclusively by men.
The Cretans, tall, dark-haired, slender in appearance, possess a strong personality and a proud, noble character. They are always ready to defend the honour of their family, their dignity, and their homeland.
This aspect of the Cretan character gave rise to various songs and dances, such as the virile pentozalis. Its name derives from the five steps that make up its basic choreographic pattern (pente means five, and zalo, in the Cretan dialect, means dance step).
The pentozalis on this record is performed with a lute, here replacing the lyra, and with wooden spoons which, following ancient tradition, mark the rhythm.
Based on Domna Samiou’s field recording of the tune in 1965 in Chania.
Lute
Spoons
