This dance actually goes back to the Greco-Roman times with the
Greek-Gods "Terpischore
and Apollo." Apollo (Phoebus) was patron or 'God of Music,
Prophecy, Healing and Poetry and was often connected with Terpischore
and the Muses. Apollo was said to be born in Delos to Leto and Zeus
and had a twin sister named "Artemis."
Apollo was the father of Aristaeus,
Asclepius, Orpheus and Linus was son to Apollo and Psamathe (the
daughter of Argos), however he was in love with the nymph Daphne.
After the fifth century B.C. Apollo was frequently identified with
Helios, the sun god.
Apollo's chief oracular shrine
was at Gaea in Delphi, which he was said to have seized, while still
an infant by slaying the guardian serpent named Python (the festival
of the Stepteria.) Apollo's other notable shrines were at Branchidae,
Claros, Patara, and on the island of Delos.
Other festivals held in Apollo's
honor included the yearly Thargelia, which was to celebrate spring,
as well as the Pythia, |
Ballrooms