Youth
Group Kicks off Another Exciting Year for 2003-2004 |
![]() ![]() This year's Youth Group instructors are Alexander Kapotas, Kostas Economou, Bessie Kouchoukos-Grosso, Yannis Economou, Pinelopi Logothetis, and Marianna Damianides-Gudmundsson. Barbara Dallas, along with Youth Group alumni Joanna Chiotis and Patricia Minakakis will be assisting. This year's instructional material will include a wide variety of folk dances and songs from regions throughout Greece. Our goal is to create an environment in which youth members feel comfortable expressing the steps and style of each dance. In addition, members� understanding of the geographical and cultural history of Greece will be enhanced. Let's all have another great year! |
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The
Tradition of Kaggelari at the Village of Papadates, Epirus by Aggeliki Siargos |
![]() ![]() It was an amazing sight to see all the people gathered together in the plateia. People traveled from neighboring villages just to see the Kaggelari danced. The line was nearly 300 people strong and all of them were joined at the hands with their fingers interlocked. The older men of the village led the line wearing the traditional foustanela costume. The rest of the men followed, lined up in order from oldest to youngest. Next were the women and at the end of the line were children, some of whom were as young as 2 years old. The older men who sang so loudly that their voices could be heard throughout the entire square initiated the singing. Everyone else in the line then repeated what was just sung. The dancing lasted for about one hour each day. As long as they had a leader, not even the pouring rain would have stopped the people of Papadates from singing and dancing. I remember walking back to the house feeling overwhelmed by what I had just experienced. I had never seen a group of people put aside all their responsibilities to join together full of pride and ready to celebrate the festive day. I was anxious for the next day to arrive when I would have another opportunity to dance the Kaggelari. ![]() |
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Yasoo! 2003 Dance Conference |
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Winter
Dance Conference 2004, New York by Spiros Spirou |
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. 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. 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.
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Traveling
in Greece by Vasiliki Grosso |
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Spotlight on Orpheus Dancer... |
Georgia
Makris![]() |
Hometown: |
Des Plaines, Illinois |
Parents/Family From: |
My mother was born in Ahladokambo, Argolidos and my father was born in Lagadia, Arkadias. |
Occupation: |
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Time Dancing with Orpheus Group: |
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Thoughts on Dancing: |
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. |
Favorite Dance: |
Kori Eleni because of its quick-moving, unique steps. |
Most Vivid OHFS Memory: |
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. |
Favorite Greek Dish: |
Tiropites (cheese pies). |
Favorite Place in Greece: |
Island of Siros. |
Hobbies/Sports/Other Interests: |
Soccer, Chanting, Dancing, Theater (Ancient Tragedies). |
Nobody knows I: |
Have been playing the violin since 3rd grade. |
Best childhood memory: |
When I had gone to Boston one summer to visit family. |
Dream vacation/the perfect weekend: |
Australia. |
I'm currently looking for/forward to: |
Starting college. |
I stay home to watch: |
Antenna Satellite TV. |
Prized possession: |
My family, heritage, and religion. |
Where I heard about Orpheus Dance Troupe: |
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. |
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