Kanto'lar

"Kanto" based on lively rythims and brisk movements is a typical Turkish musical show performed by an unaccompanied single woman wearing short skirt and a blouse of striking colours which generously offers to avid eyes a daring decollete. The woman sings at the same time she dances. This musical show has a completely separate place in the history of the Turkish musical floor-shows. The music has nothing to do with the traditional Turkish monophonic classical or popular music and the dance itself does not originate from the folklore. Although it may well bear certain characteristic features of traditional European musical-shows and have an oriental air, it undoubtedly is a "genre" sui generis. The world itself is derived from the latin woerd "Cantus" and the Italian word "Canto" but has no longer their connottation. These musical-shows-were first staged on Turkish scenes in 19th century. Launcheden by the famous "Güllü Agop" theatre, they became in vogue ever after. Although they fell into oblivion for some years, music-halls in Turkey are today trying to revive these extremely picturesque floor-shows which find great favour amongst the contemporary Turkish public and are great attraction for tourists. Peruz, Büyük Amelia, Kütchük Eleni, Chamran, Kütchük Virgin, Zarife, Amelia, Urania, Mathildei Jerfin etc. are the unforgottable of this genre can be incorporated into the group of dances comprising tango, Charleston, rocking-roll etc.