There’s a “traditional” Greek dance that actually originated in a 1964 film.

Performed at celebrations like weddings as well as in Greek tavernas when things get rowdy, the Sirtaki was choreographed for the British-Greek comedy Zorba the Greek. Still, at over 50 years old we can at least call it “vintage.”

It’s performed at the very end of the film by the two main characters – Basil and Zorba – after disaster strikes on the beach. Basil tells Zorba he’ll be leaving in a few days and as the two lament the end of their friendship Basil asks Zorba to teach him a dance – and he happily obliges.

Even the music to “Zorba’s Dance” was made just for the film, though it’s been covered hundreds of times by musicians from countries around the world.

Everything about “Zorba’s Dance” seems to have international appeal, partly because it’s so fun-loving and celebratory.

In fact, the Sirtaki is even a category in some international dance competitions. One children’s version of the dance posted to YouTube in 2009 has even received over 3.5 million views over the last decade. But it wasn’t filmed in Greece, it was an entry into the Sirtaki Dance category at Dancefest 2004 in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada!

As six middle school-aged girls take the stage, a clap of the hands begins their fast-footed performance.

Soon, they’re joined by the rest of their squad for a rousing rendition of “Zorba’s Dance” that appears to incorporate other elements as well, such as tap, clog, and even Irish dance.

While some YouTube commenters insist this doesn’t represent the original, plenty of native Greeks were quick to compliment the performance.

And many other countries have put their own spin on the classic over the last five decades as well. It will always be a Greek dance at heart, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be embellished a little.

In fact, it’s been rumored that Zorba the Greek star Anthony Quinn injured his leg prior to filming the last scene of the film and the choreography had to be adjusted anyway so he didn’t have to put so much weight on his foot – so it was always intended to be a more elaborate dance than what we see in the film.

One of the best parts of this children’s performance is when one of the dancers plays “Zorba,” whipping out a white handkerchief before the tempo speeds up and incorporates more hops and leaps.

These young ladies have some seriously fancy footwork – then again, they aren’t performing it in the sand as Zorba did!

The audience cheers as the girls shout “OPA” with their hands in the air. This would be the moment to smash a plate on the ground as well, but they’re avoiding broken glass for the time being.

But at the end of the performance two of the dancers do, indeed, bring out plates and smash them to the ground, again yelling “OPA!” to end the performance.

Their enthusiasm is infectious and it’s a rousing number that over three million people have already enjoyed.

Be sure to scroll down to see the video.

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Source: Dragan Kudjerski via YouTube