A TRADITIONAL DANCE
Throughout the ages, Cyprus has been characterised by its blending of traditions. Several folkloric practices have evolved from this confluence. One such tradition is the Cypriot custom of ‘dancing with glasses on the head,’ and this is one tradition that has always stood out on the music and dance-loving island of Cyprus.
DANCING WITH GLASSES
The act of balancing glasses on one’s head while dancing is a form of rhythmic expression. It has existed on the island for centuries. Developed directly from a flamboyance, only found in Cyprus, the dance holds significant cultural importance to most Cypriots. In some ways, it represents unity, tradition, and the collective spirit of the Cypriot people.
A FINE BALANCING ACT
This dance demonstrates exceptional individual skill, requiring a blend of both stamina and balance. It also challenges the dexterity of each dancer, who requires a deep understanding of these prerequisites to perform this dance for prolonged periods. This is apparent in the intricate movements that constantly maintain balance. This dance also requires a certain physical prowess that only a few possess and this exhibition of physical ability blends all of these attributes, creating a unique artistry.Â
A KNOWLEDGE PASSED DOWN
The ability to dance with glasses on one’s head has always been traditionally passed down through each generation. Older members of a community would often take on the role of the master and they would then guide younger participants in the nuances of balance and body control. The role of the master today belongs to local cultural and dance organisations that have now taken on the role.Â
These organisations have played a pivotal role in ensuring that this custom remains relevant in today’s society.
A DIRECT METAPHOR
The act of balancing glasses on one’s head often serves as a direct metaphor for maintaining harmony, cohesion and cultural significance. The dance also serves as a constant reminder of the importance of tradition, community, and shared joy. This extremely difficult dance also represents to a degree the enduring communal and social bonds that have existed on the island for centuries.Â
A BLEND OF GRACE & SKILL
This dance often captivates audiences. Its blend of grace and skilful challenge often intrigues several people. The dance often converges on celebrations that encapsulate the spirit of Cypriots. This dance is regularly performed at most major events on the island. The dance also allows both locals and visitors to partake in a unique expression of identity and belonging.
GLASSES FILLED WITH WINE
The dance typically involves a single dancer adorned in traditional Cypriot costumes. This dancer moves rhythmically to the sounds of continuous traditional Cypriot music. The performance begins when a second dancer places a glass, typically filled with wine, on the main dancer’s head. The wine symbolises the hallmarks of several Cypriot traditions. The main dancer then engages in a series of movements that involve twists, turns, and an occasional leap. He does this without allowing the glasses to fall, constantly maintaining balance. The second dancer then repeats the process, periodically placing a series of glasses on the head of the main dancer. This gradually builds a tower of glasses.
OFTEN PERFORMED
AT MAJOR LIFE EVENTS
This unique practice has remained central to the expressive Cypriot lifestyle. The dance still embodies the spirit of the Cypriot expression of celebration today. Its origins date back to ancient times when communal celebrations played a pivotal role in the island’s social structure. This dance was often performed at gatherings that celebrated major life events, such as weddings, harvests, and religious occasions. This type of show dancing was often the highlight of the evening and was one of the main forms of celebration.Â
MORE THAN JUST A MERE FORM OF EXPRESSION
This Cypriot dance represents much more than a mere form of expression and the origins and history of this captivating dance have evolved, enabling it to weave itself into the fabric of several modern Cypriot celebrations. As the dance continues to thrive in modern society, it serves as a testament to the resilience of cultural traditions and the communal joys that have bound Cypriots together through the art of movement, music, and shared experience for centuries. This dance has also become a focal point for those who still regard the spectacle as something quite special. As the glasses balance delicately atop heads, amidst lively music and laughter, the dance often celebrates life moments whilst fostering a deep connection to the vibrant rhythm of the traditional music that still maintains an engaging connection with most Cypriot communities on the island. The popularity of this spectacle has also spread beyond Cyprus and it has attracted great interest from visitors to the island and cultural enthusiasts eager to engage with local Cypriot traditions.
AN ENDURING CUSTOM
Today, the custom of dancing with glasses on the head, continues to thrive amid a broader revival of interest in Cypriot folk traditions. This is relevant in an era where globalisation poses challenges to several traditional practices. In some ways, the persistence of dancing with glasses on the head features the strength of the overall cultural character and modern Cypriot identity. This custom has remained relevant in Cypriot culture and often forms part of larger cultural celebrations. The dance is still performed at major festivals throughout the year all over the island. Dance workshops that include performances are often organised to introduce newcomers to the art form, emphasising the importance of cultural preservation that allows for creativity and personal interpretation of this dance.Â
ANOTHER RECORD FOR CYPRUS!
Cypriot Aristotelis Valaoritis has recently achieved a remarkable feat, earning a spot in the Guinness World Records for the fourth time, Aristotelis set his first record in 1997 with 134 glasses, and then followed this in 1998, extending his record to 169 glasses. His third record came in 2023 when he danced with an astonishing 319 glasses balanced on his head. His fourth Guinness World Record was achieved by dancing with 28 glasses stacked vertically atop one another on his head. No coasters or intermediate supports were allowed between the glasses and the towering structure measured an impressive 245 cm in height and weighed just under 10 kilos.
