In contrast to the ferverish pitch common
to karadeniz dances, the Zeybek dances of Western Anatolia,
near the Aegean coast, are slow and graceful. While not done
exclusively by men, they are commonly associated with them.
The work zeybek refers to a man, who is a brother, a friend,
a protector of his people. In a sense he is akin to a samurai
type of figure.
Performed individually, in a circle or often as a solo, the
zeybek dance usually begins with the man strutting boastfully
to tight strains of music. The accompaniment may be a zurna
and davul, or the melody may be played by a baglama, kaval,
kabek kemece or clarinet, while a dumbek marks the rhythm. Individual
dancers move proudly and strongly, their arms extended to their
sides at shoulder height, their legs taking large steps, bending
the knees occasionally and swinging the bent leg forward or
behind the straight leg. With dignity and poise, the zeybek
male kneels on one knee, gently touching it on the ground while
twisting his body to one side.
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