Angela

I should add that there is a nice website with some videos of dances and with songs as well, from all over the Balkans and including Greece. Its address is :

http://www.dunav.org.il/


Unfortunately no pan-hellenic common dances shown, but its still enjoyable nonetheless.

If only they could add video, its pretty difficult trying to do a dance you've never seen before only from notation. I joined a dance group. Great website though, its fun if a little confusing too.

Thanks Yorgos and Yannis for your research and replies. I suppose my Uncle was right then... perhaps one of my ancestors was a "man who made knives". Very interesting to read about the historical and cultural significance of the Kritiki maxairi also.

I'd like to add to this question, is there any truth to the "stories" I've heard that a daggar is called "mpitzak or bitzak"? I was told that my last name "Pitsakis" which used to be "Mpitsakis (Bitsakis)" before removal of the Mi means knife or daggar maker. I was also told that there is a place where you can find many shops with the name Pitsakis and where they sell daggars, among others things I suppose. Thanks.

Anyone have any pictures from yesterdays "dust storm"?