Feature Dance Groups
Traditional dance is deeply ingrained in Hellenic Culture. Our history is not only communicated and passed down through spoken word, but through the visual language of dance. Not only is the movement important, but so is the accompanying song who's lyrics focus on a number of topics and occasions. These include village society and daily life, relationships, loss, hope, war, and spirituality. Each region in Greece is unique and identifiable in it's instrumentation and it's traditional costume. We look forward to presenting to you the importance and relevance of folklore in our culture.
The Hellenic
School of Traditional Dance is organized into nine groupings under
the following classifications: Children/Adolescent, Adult, Training
Group and The Odyssey Dance Troupe. These groups practice weekly
throughout the scholastic year, and most will be highlighting their
efforts for you at GreekFest!
The Dance School is under the direction of Ms. Maria Koulouris.
Performances are on an on-going basis throughout the festival. Please refer to the schedule for dates and times, and then come out and support them!
The Odyssey Dance Troupe is the premiere group of the Hellenic Community
of Ottawa. Performances consistently focus on selected regions of
Greece, and enriched through song and traditional costume local
to the region. The Odyssey Dance Troupe is under the artistic direction
of Mr. Christos Pantieras. Performances are on an on-going basis
throughout the festival. Please refer to the schedule for dates
and times, and then come out and support them!
Both evenings are dedicated to the promotion of friendship and unity through cultural diversity. Participating groups will present time honoured traditions and melodies for all to embrace and share. This year we are proud to welcome:
Tuesday August 16th - 7pm: Thai Dance Troupe of Ottawa, Jalilah Raq's Ensemble, Serbian Folk Dance Ensemble "Kolo", Venezuelan Folklore Dance Group "Cherun Meru" & the Odyssey Dance Troupe.
Thursday August 18th - 7pm: You Ya Jian Wu Chinese Dance Group, Sue Fay Healy School of Irish Dance, Rodina Bulgarian Dance & The Hellenic School of Dance Senior Group