Kalamata 2007
Youth / Adult Member & Parent Reflections
Adult Member
The inspiration for my pilgrimage to Greece was a deep
yearning to go back to the beautiful country I cannot remember and have only
heard stories about. The last time I was in Greece, I had just turned two. I was
too young to remember anything, but from what I have heard from my family, I had
a great time. My cousins go every year, and bring back pictures and stories that
make me want to go even more. This year, I was finally given the opportunity to
go back, and with a bonus: being able to dance with Orpheus. Showing pride in my
ethnic background by dancing in front of those who live that life everyday was
an amazing experience. I was able to experience a rush I have never felt dancing
for a crowd before. The audience was true Greeks, born and raised there, and
their watching us, and feeling their pride that the Greek heritage is carried on
so strongly in Chicago, felt awesome.
While the performances were a real treat on the trip, and a huge highlight,
there were other things that blaze like a beacon in my memory. Among those are
all of the excursions we went on. I found the Methoni Castle a very beautiful
sight, and was able to really enjoy the sight given from the fields inside. The
thought that someone had actually put those giant stones where they are today
was a very powerful feeling. However, the time I felt the most overwhelmed with
history had to have been when we visited Ancient Olympia. Walking through the
stadium, seeing the massive columns, and the pedestals where life size statues
used to stand brought the enormity of the site into view. What really brought
the significance of the site down on me though was a shield that was in the
museum. It had an engraving on it, and as I looked at it, I was struck dumb by
the thought that thousands of years ago someone had actually made that shield,
hand carved it, and it has survived thousands of years.
Performing in Greece was to me the “King Size Candy Bar of Halloween”. Every
once in a while this great opportunity comes along, and when it does, it’s all
you can do to stop from taking it in all at once as fast as you can. Being able
to perform in Greece was nothing like performing in the USA. Performing in a
completely new environment in front of people who have grown up in the culture I
have only tasted gave a new confidence and “oomph” to my dancing experience.
Dancing in my hometown of Finikounda was, in my opinion, the most fun and
rewarding of the three performances. Looking out into the crowd I recognized so
many people from the village. Shop owners, cousins, Theos, Theas, and everyone
had a large expectant smile on their face. When the week with Orpheus was over,
I went back to Finikounda, and could walk down the street and people would
congratulate my cousins and I and tell us we did an awesome job.
I would go back in a heartbeat if I could. Meeting all of my family for the
first time was amazing. The beautiful ocean, the quaint village, and the
gorgeous countryside are emblazoned into my memory. I can shut my eyes and
picture the village just as it was when I left. I can walk down the streets, say
“hi” to the villagers, buy a Pita, get a Crepe, dive into the ocean, and it
seems just as real as when I was there. The trip to Greece was an awe-inspiring
experience that, added onto the time I was there with my family, will make this
trip one of the most memorable in my mind for a long time to come.
What were your favorite or most memorable moments on this trip?
“Watching my kids dance in Finikounda”
--- Dean Demertzis, parent
“When the kids performed in Finikounda. Unforgettable!!! We all had tears in our eyes”
--- Pat Demertzis, parent
“As I reflect back upon this trip, I believe that what made this trip memorable for me was sharing it with my koumbari, my bride of almost 20 years, and my children. These eight days allowed me to rekindle old friendships and make new pals, as well.
Starting with check-in at the Pharae Hotel on a steamy July 23rd evening and
ending with our goodbyes on very sunny July 30th morning, there were so many
moments of parea that I will never forget. The beach time at Finikounda, and
Stoupa were treasured moments along with the visits to Diros Caves and Olympia.
Seeing both Andriani and Mattheos sprint back and forth with new Orpheus friends
over the length of the Ancient Olympic Stadium, one can see the new kinship that
was created over the course of eight days.
Finally, the three performances in Messinia were priceless. Although the
Finikounda evening was as hot as the Las Vegas Strip, the first performance was
more magical than a Walt Disney World night. The filotimo of the Finikounda
residents was wonderful. The second performance was very emotional and personal
for me as my paternal Pappou grew up in Trikorfo on the other side of the
mountain, to Mavromati and Ancient Messini. That night was relatively cool and
windy compared to Finikounda, but very intimate within the small village odeon.
During the entire second performance, the Mavromati winds felt like the dancing
spirits of our departed ancestors, who decided to gleefully join in the Orpheus
festivities.
The final performance at the Kalamata Kastro made a lasting impression on
Hellenes from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. First, the final Orpheus
performance brought home to Ellada and Kalamata in particular, that Hellenic
culture is alive and well 10,000 kilometers away in Chicago, Ameriki. On a
personal note, we had the good pleasure of seeing Andriani’s and Mattheo’s
Kindergarten Greek School Teacher, Eleni, an Orpheus graduate, attend the
Kalamata performance. More than a year ago, she mentioned to both Voula and me
how rewarding joining Orpheus would be to both of our kids. It was gratifying to
her to see two of her St. Nectarios Greek school students reap those rewards
first hand”
--- Nick Nicholson, parent
Spending time on the island of Naxos and seeing the excavation of ruins from 300 B.C. And of course the amazing performance at Kastro is something I will never forget.
--- Theodora Gerontakis, parent
OHFS’s tour in Kalamata was great. We swam, ate delicious Greek food, and of course, did a lot of Greek dancing. My favorite parts of this tour were probably the Kastro performance and the Diro Caves. It was awesome having all my friends in Greece with me.
As I said before, we did a lot of Greek dancing. Not only did we have three
performances in Finikounda, Methoni, and Kastro, but we also had 3 workshops in
one of the lykio’s dance studios. It was fun being taught ethnic dances by dance
teachers from Greece
I would definitely go to Kalamata or even other parts of Greece with Orpheus
again. It was a great experience and I learned a lot about my Greek ethnicity.
How do you think your experience differed from that of your child(s)?
“The trip to Messinia and Kalamata was a welcome home party for me. It provided me with the time to see my cousins in Trikorfo and friends from Greek School in Methoni and Pylos. While visiting Trikorfo, Messinia, (which is on the other side of the mountain from Mavromati, Ancient Messini, the site of our second Orpheus performance), we met my distant relative, who preserved an oral history of my paternal pappou’s family for my children and their future generations”
--- Nick Nicholson, parent
“As a parent, it was a pleasure to watch the kids interact with each other”
--- Dean Demertzis, parent
“I was living a dream that had come true”
--- Pat Demertzis, parent
I think it was great for Mary to experience the culture, history and traditions on a more personal level. I remember my mother wearing a “tsembera” and now Mary got to experience wearing one also as part of her costume.
--- Theodora Gerontakis, parent
Catherine Grosso
Adult Member
The 2007 trip to Kalamata, Greece was not just your
typical, wake up at 12:00 p.m. every day, eat and then go to the beach, when the
sun is at its hottest peak, while people call you the crazy Americanakia. This
summer, there was hard work and dedication put into preparing and performing
this very culturally uplifting event. Waking up every morning at eight, after
going to bed at 4 in the morning, did get to be a bit of a drag at times. But
since everyone was together, we were all experiencing the same feelings and
exhaustion. Daily we went to different sites that were breathtaking, but what
made the experience even better was that 180 of your friends and family were
there, dripping in sweat along with you, because it was so hot out.
My personal favorite place that we visited was Ithomi. Every one of those curvy,
make-you-want-to-barf turns were worth it. We arrived at the site when the sun
had just begun to creep down into the mountains. Because of the strong breeze,
it was not too hot, and the view in front of you was amazing. Greece looked
beautiful and green, and the sun reflecting off the ocean created an
unbelievable view. After a long week together through fun, laughter, no sleep
and the humidity, we made the trip to Greece 2007 a successful and memorable
one. Even though I was breathing in hot air all the time, and my costume was
drenched with sweat, it was all worth it in the end.
We performed three great and exciting shows. Even though they were all amazing,
one in particular really grasped my heart and made me proud of where I am from,
and thankful for all the Greek traditions my family has instilled in me. After 2
hours on the bus, and watching two old pappous squirt and hit each other with
chairs, we arrived in Finikounda.
Walking into the town, we were greeted by hundreds of people with smiles and
amazement on their faces. I can remember all of us singing together, while all
the yiayias and the pappous were on their balconies crying and singing along.
Walking through the center of town to the theater was such and eye opening
experience. I wish I could explain the emotions, thoughts and all the craziness
going through my mind. For once we put all the stress to the side, and sang
while live music was playing, walking to the theater with pride, and showed
Greece that we are no longer the stupid Americanakia.
I am proud to say that being Greek and doing Greek things are a part of who I am
in every way possible. You would not think that a culture would take over your
life in such a good way. Well, I can proudly say that my culture does. The 2007
trip to Greece will be an experience never forgotten, and always remembered on
both sides of the world.
What advice or suggestions do you have for someone planning on participating in a trip like this?
Make sure that families fully commit to the trip, so that they can realize the rewards of participation: 1) Getting acquainted with other Orpheus families; 2) Create new or enhance camaraderie among the young people; 3) Share in the experience of preserving Hellenic culture; 4) Act as Hellenic American ambassadors from Chicago; and 5) Have a great parea.
--- Nick Nicholson, parent
“Do not underestimate how strenuous it can be”
--- Dean Demertzis, parent
“To go with the flow…especially when there are so many people participating. Be on time. Travel light”
--- Pat Demertzis, parent
Christina Grosso
Adult Member
My favorite memory from this trip is the day we went to go swim in Finikouda. The town was empty until we all came walking through. There were so many people swimming in the ocean it was as packed as it would ever be or as packed as I had ever seen. I think the ocean shore line went up! I also loved hanging out with everybody at night and just walking around and having a good time in Kalamata. Our walks lasted as long as 3 hours, and we would just stroll back and forth, back and forth again. Each time we would change what we bought: an ice cream, a pita with the works or just a water since it was so hot. You can’t do that in Chicago at night.
The advice I would give to somebody who would want to participate in something like this would be to not think about it too much and just go! It’s a once in a life time experience and you should be positive about it and participate in everything and have the best time of your life.
My expectations for this trip were very, very high. I thought it was going to be fun and crazy at the same time. This was the trip that definitely went beyond my expectations. You can’t really describe to people how nice it was; you had to be there to know how amazing it was. I am very lucky…
I have visited Greece many times before and I would have to say this trip was very different. When we go there we usually spend time with our family but this time we were with all of our friends and family from Chicago. It just made it so different because you felt like you were in Chicago with all your friends but you were in Greece. Most of the comments we got from our friends and family were positive: that they loved our performances and we really represented Greek-Americans well. I think my cousins were a little jealous that we do more Greek things than them….
My thoughts and reactions are like, “Did this really happen??” The trip we were waiting for about a year is already over, and just that it was a very good time. My favorite performance memory was walking through Finikouda playing my violin. I noticed all the familiar faces that I see regularly when I walk around. When I went back after it was over, it seemed like a dream.
I would definitely participate in a trip like this again
because it was a very good time and it was amazing. If I was given a chance to
participate again I would. My mom definitely inspired me to go. Yanni and Kosta
always encouraged me and I proved to myself that I could do it…I really wanted
to try hard because I got the chance to show myself and others what I can
do...and I did…Eftihia let me sing a solo too, so I really was lucky. Thanks for
letting me do these things it was a lot of work, I was a little nervous but I am
so glad I did it…
Did you have any thoughts about your family history/roots while you were in Greece?
“I was wondering if my ancestors danced the same Greek dances as I did”
--- Mariell, youth member
“I wondered how they danced in vrakes in that heat”
--- Peter Stergios, adult member
“I thought of what a hard trip my yiayia must have had coming to America. How special I was that people came to my horio to see where my yiayia is from, and how beautiful it is. I never thought all of my friends would be in the place I go to every summer. Every time I walk down the street, I can’t help but remember everyone singing on the way to the performance”
--- Paul, youth member
Vasiliki Grosso
OHFS Youth Group Coordinator
Did you ever ask yourself , “Is this really happening?” or
experience the surrealistic feeling that something is too good to be true? I
dreamed of going to Greece one day to dance in my hometown, with friends and
family from Chicago. We would all be traveling together through the places I
have visited on my own. I thought of how much fun it would be to have friends
that share the love and passion for what I love: Greek dancing and singing.
Well, I pinched myself this summer, trying to wake myself up. It was not a dream
-- it was the real thing! More than 200 Orpheus members and their families met
in Kalamata on July 23rd to spend seven of the most unforgettable summer days
together. You might say this was an opportunity of a lifetime.
Kalamata is not only famous for its olives and mantilia. Each summer, Kalamata’s
main attraction in July is the dance festival. These performances take place at
the Kastro of Kalamata Amphitheater. It’s also home to one of the best dance
groups in Greece, The Lyceum of Elinidon, Kalamatas. We had many workshops
conducted by the Lyceum instructors. The beautiful city of Kalamata welcomed us
with open arms. We met the Mayor of Kalamata and were featured on the local
television stations, as well as in all of the local newspapers. Our good friend,
Chris Tomaras, was present for our performances. It was fun to have many Chicago
visitors make a special trip to see us perform.
This summer was one of the hottest on record. Most days reached 100 degrees, but
fortunately we had the beautiful beaches to keep us cool. Our trip included
visiting the beautiful picturesque beaches of Finikounda and Stoupa. Day trips
included the caves of Diro, where the town of Mani was picture perfect, with its
beautiful stone homes that are typical of that area. The castle of Methoni
surrounded by water and long walkway. Olympia, with its beautiful green
surroundings, only days before the fires hit. The kids all lined up in the
stadium at the starting line to have a race. Yes, even in the mid-day and heat
!!! We are thankful to have been one of the last people to have seen it in its
green, lush beauty, visiting just days before the fires hit the area.
We did not go just to see the sights and relax, but to dance and sing. We gave
three performances that everyone will remember, both in Greece and Chicago. We
marched through the streets, with our musicians, singing “Ksekina Mia Psaropoula”
and “Thassaki Mou” into my hometown of Finikounda. Everyone came out and watched
in amazement. Over 500 people came to see us perform, which was the biggest
performance this place had ever seen! Yannis Economou started the program with
the words “Eimaste edo”…those words still echo. One year’s worth of preparation
to get to this moment. That, for me, was magical. Mavromati, with its ancient
ruins behind us, and the grand finale at the Kastro in Kalamata. News media
covered our presence, and were quite impressed with our love and compassion for
our motherland, Greece. Many of us reflected on what it meant to be there. I
decided to focus on who else: my mom, who made me who I am and really gave me
the foundation to love dance and music. This is what I had to say. It is based
on the song, “Thalassa Platia”
Thalassa Platia
Wide Ocean, I love you because you are like me.
Deep Ocean, you never quiet down
as if you have for a heart
my own little wide heart
That same wide ocean brought my mother to the United States.
My mother Ekaterina Robakis left in 1955 from Lahanada, a small village near
Finikounda, which, at the time, was called Taverna. She didn't speak any
English, she didn't know where exactly she was going, or what to expect, or if
she would ever return. The trip from Greece to Chicago lasted two exhausting
weeks. The ocean, that endless connecting link, brought her to the United
States. And here we are now, her children, after 52 whole years, along with her
eight grandchildren, back in Greece.
Mom, you were so brave! You had the strength to leave behind you everyone and
everything that you loved so much. And even though you went so far away, you
were able to keep in your heart and to pass to your children the Greek purity.
And now we are singing and dancing on that same land where my mom comes from.
Unfortunately, she wasn't able to be here with us. She had to stay back in the
United States with my father, and she is waiting for us impatiently. She had to
stay back in the land that she visited for the first time 52 years ago. However,
the wide ocean that is connecting all of us together, is also bringing my mom
and dad here with us tonight, in spirit.
Tonight, while we are all traveling on that same wide ocean.
Waves, birds, when you leave for your foreign trips
take my hidden sorrow,
and from there, far away, bring me joy
So, you could say it has come full circle. Every Greek immigrant has that same
story. Coming for a better life for us but not letting go of who or what we are.
Our roots are planted deeply in Greece. We left our mark back home in our
homeland. Would I do it again? You bet !!! I say we hit the islands next time.
Dreams they do come true.
What were your expectations before the trip? Did the trip meet your expectations?
“I expected that my children would gain a much greater appreciation and passion for their Greek culture and heritage, as I did growing up. Also, I expected that my children would also gain a greater understanding for Greek History by visiting some of the historical sites that they have read in both Greek and American schools. This trip truly exceeded my expectations”
--- Nick Nicholson, parent
I knew it was going to be a great trip and a great performance, but it was even better than I expected! Beautiful voices, beautiful dancing – it made me so proud. I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life!
--- Theodora Gerontakis, parent
Dear Eftihia Bessie John and Kosta
I should have done this much sooner but sometimes time just slips away as we all know.
The Kafkes Family would like to thank each and every one of you for all your hard work and efforts put into this unforgettable week in Kalamata. If I were to ask my girls what their favorite part of the week was they will say everything. I can agree with that 100%.Besides having a wonderful experience and visiting all the beautiful places and watching our children dance and hearing them sing I have to say (as they say in the US that I left my heart in San Francisco) that I left my heart in Stoupa.
Once again thank you each and everyone of you for an
amazing experience and I hope that we can do this again sometime soon.
Warmly,
The Kafkes Family
Have you visited Greece before? If so, how was this trip different?
“Yes, I have. It was my first time visiting the Peloponnese with the family. It was fun being with all our friends from Chicago”
--- Pat Demertzis, parent
“This is my fifth trip to Greece and the second for my kids. However, this was our first summer Greek trip together. This trip was different since it focused on my children learning about their ancestral historical roots. Also, with Orpheus performances, my kids were the stars of this trip, not my wife or I”
--- Nick Nicholson, parent
This trip was not rushed. We were able to enjoy sightseeing and of course the incredible performance at Kastro. It made me so proud to see these kids from Chicago keeping the Greek culture and traditions alive.
--- Theodora Gerontakis, parent
Yannis Economou
OHFS President
I would personally characterize this trip as a most
deserving representation of the Greek Diaspora of the United States in the
motherland. This assessment considers two factors; an external one comprised of
the lasting impression the Orpheus group left its audiences and through its
interaction with local community members as well as an internal factor that
relates to how the participants themselves perceived the success of this trip.
Without a doubt both elements were dealt with very effectively, beyond anyone’s
imagination I have to admit, considering the logistical challenges associated
with organizing 200 participants.
The performances impressed the spectators beyond any expectations, particularly
the personal reflections read during the presentations that brought many to
tears. Who can forget the chills that everyone felt during our descent towards
the beach of Finikounda in full costume, singing, lead by the young musicians? I
vividly remember a couple of elderly women, overlooking the scene from their
balcony, clapping and asking, “Where did you come from?” The response, “We are
from Chicago, from America,” left them astonished because they could not believe
how a group of “Greeks” from so far away could offer such a spectacle! The
locals could not even recall the last time their village, which has now become a
popular tourist destination, experienced such a scene. It felt as if our
presence restored their sense of pride, tradition, and past history.
Our collaboration with the Lykeio Chapter in Kalamata and their dance
instructors during the dance workshops, dinners, and casual dancing felt like
being with long lost friends that shared the same passion for Hellenic culture.
It was a warm partnership where both benefited in meaningful ways. Needless to
say, they were impressed with the organization of our group as well as our use
of that little device called iPod that helps us access our dance music files so
effectively. From our end, we cannot forget how willing they were to offer their
own personal time to share their knowledge even though they were in the midst of
practicing every night for a major performance of their own that took place a
few days after ours at the same venue! They also came through during our last
performance at the Kastro Amphitheater, when the sound system could not connect
with the iPod. Just a phone call away, they brought the music pieces we needed
and helped us coordinate things with the sound booth. All of sudden, we were
soul mates vying for the same ideals and goals.
Getting to know the Orpheus members and their families was a precious
experience. Adults and children enjoyed each other’s company and we felt a
special bond knowing we were representing not only ourselves, but our fellow
Greek Americans back in the U.S. as well as our past ancestors that lived in
Greece. We wanted all of them to be proud of us in their own way. And we
definitely did make them proud. Even after more than two months after our
return, someone mentioned, “It still feels that we never left. In a sense, we
will always be there!”
And the dearest memory of all was the kids themselves. They gave their hearts
out, despite the extreme warm weather, the early set-ups, rehearsals and
workshops. They are truly the inspiration for whatever we do. Their proud and
glowing faces will be a guiding force behind our mission.
As a father, I cannot forget my 7-year old son, Alexandros, who joined the youth
choral group performers. During one of the performances, as we were setting up,
he was looking to be a bit warm and I suggested for him to sit down and rest on
the pavement with the other kids that came to watch our performance. After
thinking about it for a second, his hands grasping the ends of his wool vest, he
said, “ That’s OK, μπαμπά, I would rather stand. I am not a regular kid. I am an
Orpheus kid!” Needless to say that from that moment, it was certain this trip
would not be like any other in our lives.
Any comments or reactions from friends and family in Greece?
“They were very proud of our children and the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society”
--- Pat Demertzis, parent
“Greek friends and family were very surprised that third generation American born Greeks could perform both traditional songs and dances with such precision and grace”
--- Nick Nicholson, parent
My brother-in-law’s brother was also at the performance and he was so amazed at the presentation that he jumped out of his seat!
--- Theodora Gerontakis, parent
Kostas Economou
OHFS Instructor
I never consider, not even for a second, whether or not I
will be visiting Greece every summer. Every year there is great anticipation
about going to Greece, visiting new and old places, seeing friends, and relaxing
at a beach. Some might find this a little bit extreme, but that’s ok. Hey, I
would not mind visiting another European destination during the summer as long
as the trip includes a ‘mandatory’ stay in Greece. I’m not that extreme!
It has been ten years since the Orpheus dance group visited Greece. Some 20 or
so dancers had the chance to visit Thessaloniki for a Pan-Macedonian Association
conference. We all had a great time, but to tell you the truth, it was kind of
stressful getting ready for the trip and worrying (this is me, I cannot avoid
it!) about anything and everything.
So when the idea of visiting Greece again resurfaced this year (something that
Bessie kept suggesting to us every year) with the prospect of having over 100
people (a much underestimated number as the final number ballooned to 200), I
was open to the idea but kind of cautious. I had to think about it for a little
bit. Usually, summertime is the only time away from work and dance group
responsibilities. It’s a time to relax. Organizing such a trip is always a risk
and requires a lot of preparation, causes stress, and who knows what else; I
could name a lot more, but I would not let my pessimistic side take over.
But it did not take long to make the decision. Going to Greece with the Orpheus
dance group is a no-brainer. We had been waiting long enough. What a better way
to celebrate our heritage than visiting Greece? Having the chance to present
dances, songs and music in the place where we get all the inspiration and great
material was indeed a great inspiration too!
So, after a feverous nine month preparation, we were off to Greece and
specifically the city of Kalamata. This would be the first time I would visit
Kalamata and I couldn’t wait to visit the city and the Peloponnese in general
since so many Greek-Americans that live in Chicago came from this area. After a
three and a half hour drive from Athens, we arrived in Kalamata. It was strange
to see all the familiar faces at the hotel. It seemed unreal. It was like being
in Chicago, but we were in Greece!
We had the chance to visit numerous sites in Messinia, Lakonia and Ilia like
ancient Methoni, ancient Olympia, and the Diros Caves. There were plenty of
opportunities to relax and have fun at the sandy beaches of Finikounda and
Stoupa. We were fortunate to meet and develop a friendship with the members of
the Lyceum of Ellinidon Kalamata dance group. Instructors from the Lyceum
organized several workshops for our youth and adult members.
And of course we had the chance to perform three times in Messinia. They were,
without a doubt, very memorable presentations.
Walking down the main street of the seaside village of Finikounda singing Greek
songs was an event that is hard to describe. Residents and tourists looked
stunned as they watched us march down toward the local outdoor theatre. They
could not help themselves but join the procession, creating an atmosphere that
the village has not felt before. The performance that ensued was very dynamic as
all performers were really inspired by the audience and the fact that this was
our first performance of the trip. Yanni Economou conveyed everybody’s feeling
as he proudly addressed the audience before the start of the performance with,
“Eimaste edo! (We are here!)”
The second performance took place at the mountainous village of Mavromatti next
to ancient Messini, about 40 minutes away from Kalamata. Ancient Messini is one
of these unique and surreal places that takes you back to ancient Greece. The
ancient theatre, temples, and buildings are so well preserved that you get the
impression that people still live there.
The performance took place at the village square. The cool mountainous breeze,
combined with the reflection of the moon light, provided an ideal setting for a
‘feel good’ presentation.
The last performance took place at the renowned Kastro Amphitheatre in the city
of Kalamata. An enthusiastic and energetic presentation was delivered. It was a
perfect ending to our presentations in Greece. Who can forget the encore
performance of tsamiko or the reflections presented by members of Orpheus? The
Mayor of Kalamata and many dignitaries were present along with members of the
Lyceum dance group and many friends and relatives. We also had the pleasure of
having our friend and Orpheus alumnus Panayis Panagiotopoulos join us for the
performance.
It was a trip of a lifetime. The memories will last forever. We could not have
asked for anything more. Seeing the joy and pride in the faces of not only the
performers but their family members and friends is a special experience. It
feels like we have come full circle and that a new circle begins with a new
sense of excitement and determination.
Thanks to all that worked so hard to make this trip a reality.
I hope we have a chance to do this soon.
How was it different watching your child/children perform in Greece as opposed to the U.S.?
“The backdrops in Finikounda and Messini were phenomenal”
--- Dean Demertzis, parent
“Performing in Greece, there was a homecoming spirit that you don’t get with a U.S. performance. This spirit was manifested through the celebration of the Greek traditions with my children’s performance in front of the descendents of their great grandparents’ siblings, cousins, friends and neighbors”
--- Nick Nicholson, parent
Mary Gerontakis
Adult Member
So it’s been more than half a year since our trip to
Greece, and I am finally sitting down to write my reflections. Although Kosta
asked me to do it several months ago, I kept putting it off. I don’t know why…I
had the best intentions of doing it. The only thing I can come up with is that
there were so many good things about the trip, personal and with Orpheus, that
it is hard to narrow it down to just a few. But here I go, I will do my best.
First of all, I will state the obvious: We were in Greece. How can you have a
bad time? Even if everything doesn’t work out, like the power going out in the
hotel so we don’t have air conditioning. Or the cab drivers are rude because
they just don’t feel like driving where we need to go. It all seemed ok because
we were surrounded by gorgeous beaches, perfect sea water, warm fresh air, and
stars that when you look up, are so vivid that you feel like you can reach out
and grab them. And what made it extra special is that I felt like I was truly
home. I was there walking the streets that my parents and grandparents walked,
the place where so much of who I am comes from, so many stories I’ve heard are
set, and where people speak the language that I heard growing up. Visiting
Greece is always special because of its surroundings and because of the history
of its people. What makes Greeks truly unique is the pride that they have in
their roots and all they have accomplished to make their mark on the world.
Nothing shows that more than having over 200 people travel thousands of miles to
go on this Orpheus trip. It was a chance to not only dance in our homeland, but
also to show the Greeks that we haven’t forgotten our roots and that we still
love and do our best to hold on to our culture.
It’s hard to keep the Greek traditions alive after generations in the United
States. My mother was born in the US, of Greek parents. I have 30 first-cousins,
21 are married, all of them to non-Greeks. Because only half of my aunts and
uncles married Greeks, hardly any of my cousins speak the language and only a
few have actually visited Greece. Their children will grow even further from
their heritage, and it’s so important to keep it, which is why I really love and
respect what Yanni and Kosta have done with Orpheus. It is so great that kids
(and adults) can come together and learn the songs and dances of Greece. And it
makes me, and especially my parents, very proud of this organization.
To get more specific about the trip and to answer more of the questions on the
questionnaire, first I’ll comment on the hotel. I thought that the place we
stayed at was in a perfect location, where we could walk to anything. It was
clean, the rooms were good sized, and thank God, there was working air
conditioning. The breakfast was good too. It was very nice that the hotel was
big enough to be able to have the majority of people staying in one place. I
think it made organizing everything a lot easier and convenient.
The trips that we went on were great. The last time I was in Greece, I went to
the Olympic Games, so going to visit Olympia meant a lot to me. I liked that we
went on historical, educational tours, but there was also scheduled time for
swimming and fun. It made the tours that much more enjoyable. I thought
everything was very well planned.
The performances were a lot of fun. I liked that each was unique in its own way.
Finikounda was exciting because it was our first performance and it meant a lot
knowing that it was Bessie’s hometown. I liked the performance at Mavromati
because it really felt authentic. It was easy to imagine the old days, dancing
in the small villages in the mountains. What a perfect night. There weren’t that
many people there, so we could really let loose, have fun and dance for
ourselves rather than performing. And of course, Kastro was the huge performance
that we will always remember. The whole trip was a wonderful experience, and I
would definitely do it again. And what made it even better was that I got to
share the whole thing with my good friend Effie. I truly had a wonderful time.
Thank you for everything.
Would you participate in a trip like this again? Why?
“Yes!!! The whole family had fun and learned a lot about our history. And we made new friends”
--- Pat Demertzis, parent
“Yes, it was a great adventure for the whole family”
--- Dean Demertzis, parent
Vasiliki Kakavas-Kouchoukos
Adult Member
My first memories of Kalamata center on my paternal grandfather: watching him in the distance plowing a field with his ox while I sit in the shade under an olive tree with my yiayia. There is another of me sitting on his lap twisting his handle-bar mustache while he laughs. Those memories are 40 years old and seem so distant now that they’re almost a haze, apparitions of sorts. Fast forward 20 years and I’m at the Kalamata Kastro Amphitheater watching a George Dalaras concert with my cousins. Fast forward another 20 years and my half naked children are running in circles just below stage right of the same Kastro in the midst of a heat wave, while I’m attempting to keep my cool and sing ‘Thalasaki’.
Who would have thought that I would be on stage in Kalamata in full folk dress along with about 80 others singing and dancing a la Lykeon one day? Certainly not the me of 20 years ago, as I sat in the audience singing along to ‘Romiosini’. Definitely not the me of 30 years ago, when a visit to Kalamata was nothing but dreadful. It was the place we buried our father, and in subsequent years, it was a prison camp that my mother would send us to, where the food was good and the surroundings beautiful but the guards were strict and unsympathetic to our wants.
Funny how in a decade all that can change: damned be the post-collegiate job offers, I’m going to hang in Spetses and Mykonos with the hip crowd for the summer and visit dad later. Hotel reservations? Who needs those when you can backpack through the islands and sleep on old ladies’ taratses for about $2. Ferry reservations? Who needs those when you can ride on the deck and play cards with Norwegians where the stakes are blankets to keep out the Aegean chill at night. Those are singular memories.
But the memories of this past summer in Kalamata will be precious as well, especially since this was the first time I’ve taken my children back to the place their mother spent countless summers and winters, happy times and unbearably sorrowful times. How can I ever forget my son jumping headfirst into the same waves I did 30 years ago, all the while, mind you, wearing his neon green OHFS hat. I couldn’t miss him in the sun’s glare if I had tried. No one in Kalamata could miss him in his OHFS hat running up and down the central platea , where 40 some years ago I too ran in delight. Would I have gone to Greece if Orpheus didn’t go? I might have. That isn’t the point. The point is that now, every time I go back to Kalamata, I’ll always have my Orpheus memory and that will be a change of pace.
Who or what inspired or motivated you to go on this trip?
“Our daughter’s passion for dance was our primary motivation, coupled with the fact that the trip’s destination was Greece, and would provide her with a unique and memorable opportunity to perform in a once-in-a-lifetime venue: the land of her ancestors. In addition, the thought of seeing extended family motivated us to go on this trip, as it was an opportunity to solidify those bonds and make new acquaintances within our ancestral homes”
--- Nick Nicholson, parent
“It was one of my dreams to see my kids dancing folk dances ‘sta Patria Edafh’. I would not have missed it for anything”
--- Pat Demertzis, parent
“The fact that we would spend a week with many friends and the opportunity to meet new people”
--- Dean Demertzis, parent
Izaki
Youth Member
Overall, Orpheus’ trip to Greece was fun, exciting and
quite outstanding. Beforehand, I knew a lot of information about Greece.
However, I learned a lot more when I visited there for the first time! I’ve
never visited Greece before until now. I’ve always wanted to visit there and
meet the rest of my family. In Greece, I leaned a lot about my heritage and more
about Greek culture. I also learned how people lived back then in my yia yia’s
village, Neda.
I thought that life was kind of easy in the village back when my yia yia was
little. That opinion changed when my yia yia told me about her childhood. They
had to cut wheat and do pretty hard work. Around the end of August, there was a
big celebration in our village. Tons of people gathered at the school in the
village to celebrate. Before the celebrating, I thought that most people knew
more than Kalamatiano and Tsamiko. However, they didn’t know more than that, but
they knew those 2 dances very well.
Orpheus’ trip to Kalamata was a lot of fun. My favorite moments of the trip were
when we all went swimming and the dinners we all had together. I loved swimming
and diving in the refreshing, cool waters. I really enjoyed swimming in
Finikounda because everyone was so happy and the water wasn’t very deep. I
especially liked the dinners because the food was excellent and it was a great
feeling when everyone got up and danced.
Performing in Greece was much different than performing in the U.S. In Greece,
we were surrounded by a Greek audience and they knew what the songs meant. In my
opinion, I think that they were more astonished than the people in the U.S.
because they probably thought that we wouldn’t know so many songs and Greek
dances! All of my family was so surprised. They all loved the performances that
the Orpheus dance troupe performed. Also, they thought that we did not know how
to speak Greek very well before they met us. However, we spoke excellent Greek
and we surprised them.
I would love to participate again in a trip just like that. It was an
extraordinary experience for my family. I had a blast swimming, hiking in the
mountains and doing a lot of other stuff. I met a lot of new friends in the
village. In Athens, at Syntagma, a pigeon flew on my head and wouldn’t get off
after more than 10 minutes!
If someone was planning on participating in a trip similar to Orpheus’ trip to
Greece, I would tell them to get ready for one of the most fun experiences of
their lifetime. I would tell them to pack swimming goggles and swimming clothes
and, of course, a bottle of sunscreen.
If I could sum up the trip in a few words, I would say that it was the best trip
ever!
Who or what inspired you to go on this trip?
“The Orpheus Dance Troupe, parents and friends”
--- Zach Demertzis, adult member
“My love of dance”
--- Athanasia, youth member
“My mom inspired me, but I was really excited about the chance to spend time with all of my friends and cousins in Greece”
--- Paul, youth member
“It was my first trip to Greece, and to perform there would add so much to the experience”
--- Ian, youth member
Andriana
Youth Member
I remember the first time I walked onto that beach. The
soft, sandy, pebbles moved beneath my feet with every step, and the warm summer
breeze was blowing through my dark hair. The breeze was blowing straight at me
with all my hair flowing behind me. Finikounda Beach was one of many beaches
that we visited in Greece this summer. Our trip was an incredible experience,
the most vivid memory of my summer, and one of the best trips of my life. We saw
many historic sights, beautiful scenery. We met quite a few relatives and had a
great time singing and dancing. Our family flew to Greece with our Greek Folk
Dancing troupe, Orpheus. We were invited to perform at several venues near the
city of Kalamata, a beautiful city located in the southern Peloponnese.
Everything was fun, exciting, beautiful and amazing.
One of the things that I liked most about Greece was looking at all of the
little villages, located in valleys in between the brownish-greenish colored
mountains, from the winding roads above. The mountains surrounded the houses as
if they were guarding the village. Nearly every house had a red ceramic tiled
roof that stood out from the green grass around it. We went to my
great-grandmother’s village and saw exactly that. As we drove past the first few
houses, it was like a huge gate opened up a new world for me to explore. It was
breathtaking! As we drove into the village, the road became quite narrow, but we
managed to squeeze our car through since it was small.
We parked the car at a coffee shop and our aunt showed us the entire village.
She showed us the church, which was built on the edge of the mountain. It looked
as if it were about to fall off the edge of a cliff! We ventured inside the
church, which was very small compared to our church here, but it towered
remarkably higher and it was very colorful. The icons in the village church were
painted with so much detail, that the people seemed so much more realistic.
There was a tall staircase in the middle of the church that led to where the
priest reads from the Bible and we were able to climb up it. My aunt also showed
us the house that my great-grandmother grew up in. At that moment, a feeling of
disbelief rushed through my head. I could not believe I was standing before a
house that more than five generations before me had lived in. It was hard for me
to believe that this house belonged to my great grandmother’s grandparents, and
that at once she had been a little girl playing in it. Unfortunately, we only
saw the outside of the house because my aunt did not have the key, but we saw
the glass kitchen window, the balcony with a little bench on it, and the red
rooftop.
The whole trip seemed to be leading up to our dance performances. Our first
performance was in a town called Finikounda. Our performance was at a small
amphitheater on the beach. The beach had smooth, sandy pebbles instead of
regular sand. We sang as we marched down to the beach through the town while the
villagers gathered in the streets trying to catch a glimpse of us. We were
accompanied by four violins and a drum. I felt the nervous excited sort of
feeling one gets when they are about to perform. The audience loved our group's
performance. I felt fortunate that I was selected to sing a solo that night,
especially since it was one of my favorite songs. I thought it was fun because
my friends and I were doing what we loved to do in front of at least a hundred
people that truly seemed to enjoy what they were seeing.
Our second performance was a little different because of the location. We danced
in a town called Mavromati, which was nestled high in the mountains. We
performed in an open-air theater in the middle of the town on a windy night, but
the wind was welcome because it cooled us off nicely. My grandfather’s relatives
live in a village on the other side of that mountain, and they came to see us
sing and dance. I was very proud to perform for them and for everyone else that
night because I was chosen to lead one of the dances. The dance I led was very
fast moving and I felt like I was flying as I led it. While I was dancing, it
was fun to think about who would see us on TV the next day.
The third performance was located in a larger city called Kalamata, a region
that is best known for its olives and olive oil. We performed in an ancient
castle on a hill that overlooked the city. That night, we danced on a large
stage, and we were professionally video taped, I think for a television program
that may have aired on TV that night.
What were your favorite or most memorable moments of this trip?
“When I gave my speech in front of the audience in Kalamata”
--- Ian, youth member
“The Kastro performance was unforgettable. The stars at night is something you don’t experience in Chicago”
--- Peter Stergios, adult member
“Dancing with all my friends”
--- Mariell, youth member
“My favorite moments were dancing and swimming”
--- Elpida, youth member
“I enjoyed walking into Finikounda, leading everyone down into town on my toumbeleki. I enjoyed taking walks up and down the paralia with all of my friends. It was the best eating a big pita and ice cream at 1:00 in the morning. I couldn’t do that in Chicago”
--- Paul, youth member
“Favorite parts of the trip were hanging out at Kastraki or Bythos with my friends. The most memorable was the scorching hot bus with no A/C. Chris and I took off our shirts and fell asleep”
--- Zach Demertzis, adult member
“Seeing my friends and riding on the tour busses”
--- Athanasia, youth member
Eleni Pantelias
Adult Member
When I was asked to talk about my experience in Greece over
the past summer, I was thrilled. Remembering all the memories was amazing. But
it wasn't all vacation. We worked hard during all the practices that we had for
our performances. Even though it was extremely hot everyday, we pulled through
and had three of our best performances ever.
We were all so happy and proud that we could be in Greece dancing traditional
dances.
My favorite part of the whole trip was that we were spending time together with
everyone and being able to just sit back and have fun no matter what we did.
I also enjoyed the daily trips that we went on. I'm really glad that I was able
to see Ancient Olympia before the terrible fires. Everything was just great and
I wish we could all go back and re-live it all. I will definitely remember this
trip my whole life.
Has this trip changed your ideas about Greek culture and traditions, specifically regarding Greek dancing?
“I still love to Greek dance, and I am proud of my culture. It has made me even prouder of what I do…trying to hold on to my culture makes me feel special…”
--- Paul, youth member
“Yes, because now I understand that Greek dancing is different all around Greece”
--- Tasos Hristakos, adult member
“It has changed my ideas of Greek folk dancing because it gave me a whole different perspective on Greek dancing”
---Ian, youth member
“It made my love of Greek dance grow”
--- Peter Stergios, adult member
“I learned about wedding dances”
--- Mariell, youth member
Director, Chicago Hellenic Choir / OHFS Choral Instructor
REFLECTION ON THE TRIP TO KALAMATA:
STIMULATING THE “GREEK” SENSES
This past summer I was honored to be asked to participate, along with several
members of the Chicago Hellenic Choir, in the trip to Kalamata. Having worked
with the Orpheus choral group for over two years, I knew that that the trip
would be an amazing experience and a huge success. Orpheus has been one of the
most organized, committed, and hard-working organizations with which I have ever
been involved. I knew that the organizers would meet everyone’s expectations and
would rise way above them. And they did.
The anticipation of the trip was breathtaking. All the months of intense
preparation and rehearsals built an indescribable degree of excitement. And then
the day came when we were all parading down the streets of Finikounda, heading
toward our first performance location, dressed in beautiful costumes, singing
and playing, surrounded by locals and tourists who were cheering for us from
taverns and balconies. It was thrilling. At that moment, as I was watching the
children sing their hearts out, I realized the depth of what those children were
experiencing. They were experiencing Greece as deeply as they could possibly
experience it, through all of their senses, both literally and metaphorically.
They were able to see all the places they had heard about, especially those
children who had never been there before. They heard their own Greek singing
voices and dance steps echo against ancient Greek ruins. They danced and sang
while smelling and tasting the salty ocean air that we had described to them
during rehearsals. They physically touched everything that surrounded them and
were touched by it all, but they also touched every single person that witnessed
their unbelievable performances. Their senses when it comes to a true Greek
experience were stimulated in a way that no other experience here in Chicago
could possibly offer.
The trip to Kalamata served as the ultimate Greek experience. It was a cultural
lesson, a history lesson, a geography lesson, a language lesson, and more. And
all of those lessons were “hands-on”, “ears-on”, “eyes-on”, and “hearts-on”. It
doesn’t get any more real than that. The experience impacted all of us deeply,
and at the same time we impacted those around us. We were able to demonstrate
with pride that we do all we can to keep the Greek spirit alive and pass it on
to our children. As Vasiliki Grosso put it in her reflection during one of the
performances, a reflection that brought the audience members to tears: “The wide
ocean brought all of us together”.
My deepest gratitude goes to Orpheus for offering all of us such a phenomenal
experience. All your hard work paid off! Thank you!
Can you sum up your experience in a few words?
“Greatest and most fun trip ever”
--- Zach Demertzis, adult member
“7 days and 7 nights of bone-electrifying fun”
--- Peter Stergios, adult member
“Exhilarating, fun, hot, exciting”
--- Elpida, youth member
Parent
Orpheus was really the impetus to take our children to Greece for the first time. We really can't express the joy we experienced, seeing our children participate in this incredible event. The lyrical walk to Finikounda Beach will be forever etched in our memories. The venues were wonderful, the workshops beneficial and the agapi immense. Thank you for all the hard work that went into making this such a success. Bravo!
What suggestions or comments would you give someone who was planning on participating on a trip like this?
“Get a lot of water, pack your swimsuit and get ready to sweat until you drop”
--- Paul, youth member
“Go, and have a great time!”
--- Athanasia, youth member
“Just be ready to have fun, no matter how things go”
--- Eleni Pantelias, adult member
“Stay for as long as you can, and travel to as many places as you can”
--- Elpida, youth member
“Follow schedules…do some sightseeing…and spend lots of time at the beach!”
--- Zach Demertzis, adult member
Adult Member
Greece has changed considerably since 1990. That’s the last time I was there. In
my lifetime, I have repeatedly made the journey to Kalamata and various parts of
Greece over the years. Sure, I always had a good time visiting friends and
family, relaxing on the beach and shopping, but unlike my previous carefree,
low-expectation visits to Kalamata, this trip, in the summer of 2007, was
undeniably different. For one thing, I was in the company of almost two hundred
fellow Orpheans – almost like our own travelling village. No doubt an adventure
in itself, that’s something I have never experienced before, and probably will
never experience again. We were preparing to give three high-energy, demanding
performances, degrees above any performance I’d ever given before. Many exciting
excursions awaited us, as well as workshops with Kalamata-based dance companies
and all sorts of spontaneous adventures. I expected to have a good time in
Kalamata, but in retrospect, I’d have to classify my experience as miles above
and beyond that.
As for my favorite moments, there are definitely too many to list, but here’s a
few: Strolling along the paralia in the evenings, stopping to enjoy a late
dinner or drink, was something I wish I could have done more of. Maybe it was
the breeze coming off the ocean, but all the food, particularly the chicken
entrees, were beyond amazing. Most of our days were quite physically demanding,
full of sightseeing (in the relentless heat) and dancing (in the relentless
heat), but I was still able to squeeze in several late-night giggle-fests and
the occasional deep, philosophical discussion (at 2 a.m. no less) with my
roommate, Mary. However, how alert and lucid I was during these episodes might
be open to debate. We were operating on a full, tight schedule, but one of my
personal missions was to make time for some serious shopping. Sprinting through
the commercial district of Kalamata, I was able to purchase everything that was
on my shopping list. Temporarily forgetting about the afternoon “siesta” rule, I
made the mistake of going during the afternoon hours, when everything was closed
(but that was just a small set-back). Swimming in the exceptionally gorgeous
waters in Finikounda is surely something I won’t soon forget. I don’t know how I
managed to extract myself from those warm, turquoise waters, but sadly, it had
to be done. The various excursions in and around the Kalamata vicinity were
informative, educational and enormously fun. Additionally, all the hours we
spent on the tour busses, travelling to and from our destinations, afforded us
the opportunity to enjoy some breathtakingly amazing views of the Peloponnese.
If you polled all the participants of this trip, simply asking if they had fun,
I think the response would be unanimously, undeniably and resoundingly “YES!!!”
But having a great deal of fun was not the primary objective of this trip – only
a marvelous byproduct. Orpheus is first and foremost a dance troupe, and as
such, our mission this summer was to deliver three dynamic, traditional dance
and choral performances in the land of our ancestors. All three performances
were everything I imagined they would be and more. The enthusiasm of the
audience and the energy from the rest of the performers was enough to make you
forget about the almost unbearable heat, and, at times, painful dancing surface.
It was extremely satisfying and rewarding to hear the positive feedback and
reviews we received from our friends and family in Greece. I believe it gave us
a renewed and incredibly powerful sense of ethnicity and pride in what we do as
a dance troupe. Furthermore, it revitalized our vigor and passion to continue
doing our best.
Seven days in one place may seem like a long time to some, but in this case I’d
have to say it wasn’t nearly enough for me. Personally, I truly can’t think of
any down-side to this trip or anything I would change or complain about (ok,
except the heat). Perhaps a case of selective memory three months after the
fact? Maybe, but I wish I could have somehow extended my stay in Kalamata,
enjoying the company of my fellow travelers, and discovering more of Kalamata
and its surrounding towns. Of course the immense success of this trip is largely
due to the tireless contributions and efforts of its organizers. And if I
haven’t said it before, I am grateful to them for making this trip possible, and
I am thrilled and privileged that I had the opportunity to participate in such
an excellent adventure.
Have you visited Greece before? If yes, how was this trip different than previous trips?
“Yes, I have. This time it was different because I spent a lot of time with Americans”
--- Tasos Hristakos, adult member
“I have visited Greece many times. This time it was the hottest. My whole family came along, and all of my cousins. We were all part of the performances. That made it even better. I had so much energy, sometimes I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t want to miss a moment or a pita”
--- Paul, youth member
“This trip was different because I got to perform”
--- Athanasia, youth member
“It was different because I met up with people and friends from the U.S.”
--- Eleni Pantelias, adult member
“Yes, I have. This time it was way different for me because I usually stay in the northern part of Greece. This was my first time going to the southern part of Greece”
--- Mariell, youth member
“I was with my best friends and we were able to hang out all day, every day”
--- Zach Demertzis, adult member
“On previous trips, it was more about the kafenia and sleeping in. This was hardcore, workout style”
--- Peter Stergios, adult member
Would you participate in a trip like this again? Why?
“Yes, because it was a lot of fun”
--- Zach Demertzis, adult member
“I would because of all the fun I had and all the new dances I learned”
--- Mariell, youth member
“Yes, I loved the people, views and the food”
--- Peter Stergios, adult member
“Yes, I would because it was a trip that I will never forget”
--- Eleni Pantelias, adult member
“Definitely, because you get such a positive vibe from a lot of the dances and audience members that you will always remember”
--- Ian, youth member
“Yes, because I would love to experience something this great again”
--- Athanasia, youth member
Any comments or reactions from friends and family in Greece?
“They were proud that I was learning to be Greek in America”
--- Athanasia, youth member
“My family loved the performance”
--- Elpida, youth member
“My family in Greece was so proud of us. They were shocked at how good we were. They had no clue that so many people would come from America do dance and sing. It was the biggest event that has taken place in my horio of Finikounda, ever”
--- Paul, youth member
“They were impressed with how many Greek dances we knew and by how many people showed up”
--- Mariell, youth member
“They loved the show and marveled at the true Greekness Americans can raise”
--- Peter Stergios, adult member
How was performing in Greece different than performing in the U.S.?
“I felt that I had a connection with the audience”
--- Zach Demertzis, adult member
“It was a whole new experience, performing outdoors and performing for a bigger crowd”
--- Mariell, youth member
“It was much hotter, so you had to adjust…”
--- Tasos Hristakos, adult member
“It was so hot, and a lot more demanding. Also, everyone was Greek and really appreciated what we were doing, coming from the U.S.”
--- Paul, youth member
What did you learn from this trip?
“To appreciate Greece more”
--- Elpida, youth member
“I learned to love my culture”
--- Athanasia, youth member
“Use extra deodorant”
--- Peter Stergios, adult member
“I learned that I am a pretty good Greek dancer, and I am not afraid to lead people anywhere, anytime and place…I want to perform Tsamikos more, and do more kicks and spins”
--- Paul, youth member
“Every Greek dance is interpreted differently wherever you go”
--- Tasos Hristakos, adult member
“I learned many different dances and songs”
--- Ian, youth member