Issos, Lerikos or Stavrotos
This is the dance I placed first in my original guide. Often written as Isos, it has a steady, unhurried rhythm. The name Stavrotos refers to the crossed handhold used by the dancers.
Issos · Sousta · Ballos · Artemis
Dances of Leros
At weddings, christenings, engagements and village celebrations, dancing brings people together. On Leros, it is part of how we share a happy occasion.
A tradition shared across generations
I have kept the dances and the personal memories from my original page, including the important place Artemis has had in my own experience of the island.
Rhythm · Movement · Company
Recognising the dances
Sousta
A springy dance with energy in its movement. Watch the rhythm in the dancers’ steps before trying to follow it yourself.
Ballos
A couple dance, with partners facing one another. Its character comes from the exchange between the two dancers as much as from the steps.
Michanikos
Written as Mechanikos in my old guide, this dance is especially associated with neighbouring Kalymnos and its sponge divers.
The performance recalls a diver’s hardship and the contrast between difficult movement and a sudden return of energy. I have always seen hope in that contrast.
Piperi & Skoupa
The pepper and broom dances bring the playful side of a celebration into view. These teasing dances are as much about the company and the humour as the movement.
Other dances you may see
Zeibekiko, karsilamas and hasaposerviko also featured in my original notes. The island’s gatherings include both local traditions and dances shared more widely across Greece.
Learning · Friendship · Continuity
Artemis: keeping the tradition alive
The cultural association Artemis, based in Platanos and established in 1977, has played an important part in sharing Lerian dance and music with younger generations and with audiences beyond the island.
Its work extends into other parts of cultural life, including theatre and publications. In my view, one of its great contributions has been helping young Lerians appreciate the customs they have inherited.
Experience the dances on Leros
Watch a performance
Look for the dance groups in the current festival and cultural programme. The municipal events page and Artemis announcements are useful starting points.
Join the circle
At an open celebration, watch first and ask someone if you can join. Start beside an experienced dancer, follow their lead and enjoy learning at the pace of the company.
For workshops or lessons, ask Artemis about the current arrangements. There is no need to know all the steps before you arrive.
Keep exploring
The music behind the movement
The Leros songs and dances collection lists Lerikos and other traditional dance recordings, with background notes to help you understand what you are hearing.
The old Isos audio extract on my page is no longer available. Explore the linked collection, visit the music page and use the festival guide to find occasions where music and dance meet.
A personal favourite
A favourite table on Leros
After exploring the island’s stories, make time for one of my favourite parts of Leros: its food. My favourite taverna is Karaflas Dimitris & Son.
From Dimitris Ouzeri to Karaflas Taverna, and now Karaflas Dimitris & Son, it is the same family story continuing into another generation.
Read the family story or discover more flavours of Leros.
Share your Leros discoveries
Have a memory, a photograph or something to add to this guide? You can reach out to me through the Leros Greece Facebook group and share it with our island community.