Established in 1983 to promote and preserve the Hellenic culture and heritage for all Greeks. Close to 150 performers make up this troupe of Greek dancers who are divided into three levels: Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced. They have performed over the past years at various festivals and other events around Alberta and Canada. Three of their more popular dances are the hasapikos or sirtaki, an ancient dance first performed by butchers in the Byzantine Empire; the leventikos, performed by men and women in the villages of Akrita in the province of Florina; and kalamatianos in which both leaders and a line of dancers lead and whirl in a lively variety of steps. Syrtos, is considered the oldest of all dances. Has ritualistic purpose and is danced by men and women together, in a circle, around an alter. Its circular fotation was symbolic representing nature and the cycle of the seasons. Tsakonikos or Geramos, this is about 4000 years old It represents the exit of the Theseus from the Labyrinth in Create (dancers hold each other by the arm so not to get lost). Kalamatianos, its history canbe traced back to the choral parts of Aeschylus tragedies. The Sicle Dance, In Cyprus they still dance with a sickle and movements that mimic the harvast This dance originates in the celebration for goddess Artemis in Sparta. |
Contact: Megi Markakis Director of Cultural Association Hellenic Canadian Community Edmonton and Region |
 
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