The Yasoo 2003 dance conference in Seattle was a unique and memorable experience. Two dance groups from Greece, along with musicians and instructors, conducted workshops, performed in traditional attire and offered endless entertainment during the social events. The group Aristotelis from the town of Florina (region of Macedonia) and the dance group from the village of Asvestades (region of Thrace) offered sights, sounds and special moments that will stay with the participants for a long time.

The group from Asvestades included members whose ages ranged from 50-75 years old! Their energy, enthusiasm and talent were impossible to match. Their pure and spontaneous ways won everyone's heart and their experience is a true treasure. The group from Florina was led by their director, Yannis Manos, a lecturer of Balkan studies at the University of Thessaloniki in the Florina area. His impressive resume includes over 20 years of dance and folklore research. The methodical presentation and instruction of the dances from Florina offered insight and detail with regards to the appropriate expression of the local style and form. The conference offered a very good balance between the spontaneity of the group from Asvestades and the academic approach from the group from Florina.

Our gratitude goes to the organizer of the dance conference, Steve Teodosiadis, who needs to be commended for all his hard work in planning and hosting such an event. Many thanks are extended to the volunteers from St. Demetrios Church in Seattle who made their parish so hospitable throughout the conference. 

We are looking forward to our next dance conference in New York in January 2004 for more unforgettable moments and the chance to reunite with our friends, through dance, from North America.

The custom of �Yennitsaroi and Boules� from the city of Naoussa in Macedonia and Carnival customs from Central Greece and Epiros will be the focus of Winter Dance Conference 2004. The conference will be held in New York City from January 30 to February 1.

Our instructors will be Takis Baitsis and Christos Tsitis from the group �Yiannitsaroi and Boules� of Naousa, Macedonia; Nikolaos Liondos and Ioannis Koutsoumbas from the Music and Literary Association �Skoufas� of Arta; and Nancy Harmanda and George Kotsos from Athens.

Mr. Baitsis is the president of the Historical and Folklore Museum of Naousa and president emeritus of the Yennitsaroi and Boules Association. He is the author of several books on the folklore and history of Naousa, as well as a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers.

Mr. Tsitsis joined the Yiannitsaroi and Boules Association and began dancing at the age of 4. In 1989 he became an instructor at �Yiannitsaroi and Boules�, as well as the local group of nearby Episkopi. While teaching in Belgium, he founded the dance group of the Association of Macedonians of Belgium.

Mr. Liondos graduated from the Department of Physical Education of the University of Athens, specializing in traditional dance. Since 1992 he has been the instructor of �Skoufas�, as well as other groups around Arta. He has conducted extensive research in Epirus and the villages surrounding Arta, where he led the research team of �Skoufas� to document the �Kagkelaria� customs.

Mr. Koutsoumbas studied at the Academy of Physical Education. A longtime member of �Skoufas�, he currently serves as vice-president of �Skoufas� and director of the Historical and Folklore Museums of Skoufas. He is also on the editorial board of the annual journal of �Skoufas�.

Ms. Harmanda and Mr. Kotsos are already well known on the East Coast, having previously taught in Montreal, New York and at the Winter Dance Conference 2003 in Atlanta. Both began their careers in Greek folklore in the early 1970s as members of the �Lykeion ton Hellenidon� in Athens. They rose to become instructors while maintaining their positions in the performing group. Together they have directed or co-directed numerous performances to wide acclaim, including at the prestigious Odeon of Herod Atticus by the Acropolis.

For more information concerning the conference, please contact Spiro Spirou at 718-726-8985, spirou@wdc2004.org, or check the conference website at www.wdc2004.org.

This summer my daughter, Catherine Grosso, was selected by the Counsel General of Greek Education affairs to attend a program for children of Greek descent. The program, sponsored by the University of Crete in Rethymnon, invites children to attend classes for three weeks in history, language, arts, music, dance and theater. The purpose of the program is to encourage children to explore their roots and connections with Greece. It also allows them to meet children from all over the world. "I knew Greeks lived all over the world, but I have met friends I will have forever,� remarked Catherine. In addition to classes, the children had a chance to visit places of interest throughout Crete. 

In conjunction with the program, a Theater Festival was sponsored by the University of Crete and the children of Chicago�s Socrates School, under the direction of Takis Theotokatos, were selected to represent the Greek American community. Each evening was spent watching the drama groups that were competing for the top drama production. I am proud to say that Takis won for best original screenplay and Demetra Bounas, from Socrates, won for best supporting actress. 

I organized a special event for the children who attended the Cretan program, which was to dance at theater night. I asked the kids what they wanted to dance. They of course chose the Cretan dance Petozalis. The Cretan Syrto was also added to the presentation. We only had two weeks to get ready for the program. We got together every day for one hour and because the kids wanted to do it so badly, they learned the dances in time for the performance. Sixteen children participated including ten Orpheus Youth group members. Those who were not members of the Orpheus Youth group couldn�t wait to join this fall. Once you dance, especially in Greece, you are hooked. The best part was that I found a local seamstress who lent us costumes, boots and scarves to use for our performance. My son, Paul Grosso, had a chance to wear an entire Cretan outfit, including his favorite, the maheri (knife) tucked in his belt. He proudly walked into town as people stopped to take a quick picture with him. "I feel so proud to be Greek and it makes me so happy to dance," said Paul. 

I also taught dance classes to teachers who attended the program, which they really appreciated. I didn't realize how much I knew about dancing and how fortunate I am to know so many Greek dances. At the end of our stay we had a great dinner where we celebrated, danced and ate. The local dance troupe came and danced with us. That was real Cretan dancing! 

What a summer! I know I will never forget it. The rest of the summer was great too. It was nice to see our special friends Hara and Rafael in Athens. They send their love to everyone and are looking forward to coming to the States again. I spent a lot of time in Kalamata where I met the instructor for the Lyceum Ellinidon in Kalamata, Michales Mixos. It was a special treat for me to practice with them, especially since they were preparing for a performance in Portugal. Orpheus fever! I hope oppotunity knocks on my door again. Let�s all have a great year.

Des Plaines, Illinois

My mother was born in Ahladokambo, Argolidos and my father was born in Lagadia, Arkadias. 

Freshman at Loyola University and working as a Pharmacy Technician.

About a year and a half.

Dancing is a form of expression that one can free their spirits. I have found Greek dancing to do just that. It is a way I can experience my heritage first hand and learn how my ancestors expressed their different emotions. Greek dancing is the hidden language of the Greek soul.

Kori Eleni because of its quick-moving, unique steps.

My most vivid memory would have to be the 2003 Festival because it was my first festival performance with the large group and live band from Greece. That night we made the music become visible. We became the music and showed the audience our passion for Greek dancing. 

Tiropites (cheese pies).

Island of Siros.

Soccer, Chanting, Dancing, Theater (Ancient Tragedies). 

Have been playing the violin since 3rd grade.

When I had gone to Boston one summer to visit family.
We took a boat out into the Atlantic Ocean for whale watching. It was the most fascinating and memorable site to see a whale jump about 30 consecutive times in and out of the water. 

Australia.

Starting college.

Antenna Satellite TV.

My family, heritage, and religion.

From my Greek school dance teacher, Mrs. Sianis. Just as Mrs. Sianis encouraged me to join, I too encourage you all to participate. Not only will you learn how to dance but you will also get the chance to meet wonderful people and work with talented teachers. This is what I believe makes Orpheus special.