Waiting at the airport is probably one of the most boring aspects of modern life. Yet it was well worth it, not only because I was waiting for friends that I had not seen in several months, but because the trip would bring us to Seattle for a dance conference.

The conference, the fourth annual Seattle Yasoo! Dance Conference sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance Festival, was held from Friday to Sunday, October 18-20, 2002. This year it featured Demétri Matzouráto from Cephallonia and Achilléa Tsiára from Melíki in Imathía. Demetris taught dances from the Ionian islands, or Eptánissa, and Achilleas covered dances from Roumloúki, the plains in Imathia west of Thessaloniki.

The conference began on Friday evening with a directors' discussion workshop. After the introductions and a brief description of each group, the discussion quickly turned to the all-too-familiar issues of where find high-quality music, instructional videos and other material, how to raise funds for purchasing costumes and participating in conferences, how to get more people, especially the younger kids, interested in Greek folk dancing etc. Nevertheless, it was quite interesting to hear about the approaches taken by different groups and the solutions they had found. Regarding costumes, in particular, it was impressive to hear groups describe how they made their own, paying attention to the often-overlooked but very important issues of fabric, colors, weight and feel etc.

As one might expect, the discussion lasted well beyond its allotted time, and it probably would have gone on for much longer if the organizers had not ended it. Everyone then headed for Porta, a local Greek restaurant with live music. Porta was fairly busy when we got there and, with the addition of several dozen more Greeks, it became really packed. Some managed to squeeze themselves onto the dance floor while others hung out at the bar or even outside.

On Saturday morning a rich breakfast awaited us at the hall in the church of St. Demetrius, where the workshops were held. "Eat well. You are going to need it," somebody told me and, as it turned out, she was quite right. The workshops, which run all day save for a lunch break, were tiring, if not exhausting. But they were fun, informative and quite enjoyable.

Both instructors had done a lot of research and were very knowledgeable about their respective regions, so it was quite a pleasure to have them teach. Although there was a lot of material to cover, they took great care in explaining the differences in style and steps among different villages as well as the subtle nuances of dance.

Demetris sung a few songs from the Ionian islands in order to illustrate the western influence (during the Turkish occupation and beyond, the British, the French and the Italians took turns occupying the islands), as well as the similarities and differences with the songs of mainland Greece. He also described the chance circumstances in which he discovered a dance from Cephallonia that was no longer danced and was thought to be lost.

Achilleas delivered a fascinating slide presentation of old photographs from Roumlouki. In addition, with the aid of a volunteer who was being dressed, he gave a meticulous demonstration of the women's costume of Roumlouki, paying particular attention to its characteristic headpiece.



On Saturday night, the church hall became the site for a glendi, with music provided by Pangéo. The Seattle-based band consisted of Christos Govetas (clarinet, zournas, floghera and vocals), Ruth Hunter (accordion and vocals), David Bilides (toumbeleki), Sandra Dean (violin), and David Bartley (guitar). George Chittenden (gaida and zournas) and Dan Auvil (daouli) were also present. It is an understatement to say that these are great musicians who can play in an authentic way. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to say that these musicians would be considered great even if they lived in Greece and were judged against their village counterparts.

It is hard to put in words the excitement and the kefi that was on the dance floor. As one song followed another - island, Epirus, Macedonia, Thrace, Roumeli etc. - all the fatigue from the day's workshops suddenly vanished and a new burst of energy filled everyone. For the better part of the glendi there were so many people on the dance floor that two or three circles formed. As the glendi moved on, the microphones gave way to the zourna, the gaida and the daouli as they enveloped the dancers with their primordial sound.

The conference ended on Sunday evening with a barbecue that was provided by Maria Barbas and her family. This was the time to wind down, relax and spend some social time with friends from all over the country, as well as Canada. I, personally, believe that this complements and is as important as the workshops themselves, as Greek folk dancing is first and foremost a social event. The getting together and socializing leads to the parea, which leads to the kefi, which leads to the singing and dancing.

Putting together a dance conference may sound easy - find a place, bring instructors and that's all - but as anyone who has ever attempted it knows quite well, it is far from easy. The group in Seattle - Steve Teodosiadis, Carrie Theodorou, Alexandra Maroussis, Voula Kolios, Yvonne Hunt, Maria Barbas and others who helped in one way or another - did a wonderful job and deserve our thanks and congratulations. I am sure they have already started planning next year's conference, and I am confident it will be just as great.

More information on the Yasoo! conferences can be found at: http://www.saintdemetrios.com/dance/dance.html

What a year so far for the youth group! We now have over 60 kids registered in our program, 25 of which are new members. After spending a few weeks getting acquainted with our new groups, we began preparation for the Museum of Science and Industry performance in October. The performance, which included four dance selections from both instruction levels as well as a song, took place on Saturday, December 21st in front of an audience of well over 200 people! The youth did a fantastic job and exited the stage to a roomful of clapping, whistles and cheers from all the parents, friends and family in attendance.

Four of our youth members attended a recent dance conference held in Atlanta. Our youth participated in all workshops as well as the social activities. "It's like dance boot camp," said Christina Minakakis. Despite blisters and sore feet, the kids did an incredible job and had a rare chance to be taught by instructors George Kotsos and Nancy Harmanta.

Speaking of Nancy and George, our friends from Greece took over the lessons in Chicago the week after Atlanta and taught our youth a few of the basics of dance. Instead of steps and variations, George and Nancy emphasized ways to improve expression, feel the music, and ultimately have a more enjoyable dance experience. It certainly was a sight to see and we hope that our kids will have more chances like this in the future!

We've already started preparing for the upcoming April 5th concert. We know that the youth will be an integral part in the event this year as we explore the theme of Easter celebrations and the coming of spring. We hope that you are looking forward to this year's production as much as we are excited to host this event!

See you at the concert!

Glenview, Illinois

My father is from Ioannina, Epirus and my mother's
family is from Asia Minor

I am a sophomore at Elmhurst College studying to become an
elementary teacher.

I have been apart of Orpheus Dance Troop for a year now this January and I am loving every minute of it!

I think that dancing brings out a certain feeling in all of us. It reminds of our Greek heritage; our roots. When I am Greek dancing, I feel so happy and energetic. These feelings stem from every part of the dance being danced; from the drums to the clarinet down to the step. It is truly a great feeling. I know that looking back on this great opportunity and experience, I will be thankful that I was able to learn traditional Greek dances! This is something I will be able to carry with me all my life.

My favorite dance would have to be all of them. I love learning them and they are all so unique that it would be unfair to pick just one!!!

My most vivid OHFS memory would have to be performing for the very first time at Holy Cross. Being all dressed up in costume, dancing and being with new friends made it all a wonderful and unforgettable experience. 

My favorite Greek dish would have to be Oktapothi sti skara (grilled octopus) It's soooo good!!!!

My favorite place in Greece is called Ormylia which is near Thessaloniki.

Some of my hobbies include of course dancing, Byzantine Chanting, singing, reading, being active at my church, learning about my faith, traveling, cooking, and helping others.

that I know sign language.

My best childhood memory would have to be Christmas.
I will always remember how we would (and still do) decorate our house with lights and fill it with wonderful Christmas music. Then, on Christmas Eve, we would all go to church, and afterward we would have a huge dinner at our home. My cousins came and we would get to open one present each! Then we would go to bed excited for Santa with sugar plum fairies dancing in our head!!! 

My dream vacation would have to be a trip to Disney World. There is so much to do and see there, that one could never get bored!

One person that I would love to meet would be Panagia. She is so sweet and pure and is truly an inspiration to all women of all ages.

My favorite spot is Chicago would have to be Greek town. I have so many fond memories of going there to the different restaurants with both my family and my friends.

I am currently looking forward to graduating college and becoming a teacher. I still have two more years to go, but I am enjoying every minute of it and I am trying to learn as much as I can.

One of my prized possessions that I own is my cross that I have from when I was baptized, given to me by my nouna (godmother). 

I heard about Orpheus Dance Troop from my sister Joanna. With out her telling me about it, I don't think I would have joined. I thank her for telling me to join, because dance has become something that I look forward to going to each week.

Na ta ekatostisete!