Greek dancing and culture classes are aimed at people who wish to learn to dance, but also for proficient dancers who want to cultivate their dance expression and a regular venue where you are able to express your culture. You do not have to have any previous experience in dancing. We accept students of any cultural background, varying physical ability and all ages.

Elements covered in the dancing classes: rhythmology, kinesiology, musicology, dance expression, Stage presence, Improvisation, and analysis of regional dance style characteristics. Endymatologia (costumes design), traditional folk rituals some dating back to ancient times. All the content is verified in a scientific academic/ peadagogogical manner. We cover dances and traditions from every region of Greece including teaching zeimbekika etc (which are also traditional dances).

Our Philosophy:

• When you are dancing you should be interpreting the expression of the music and at the same time we should be seeing your personality expressed. You should not be moving identically with your fellow dancers. You should be grounded and not dancing on the balls of your feet as that results / forces your body to stiffen up and reduces your dance expression.
• Dancing is not only steps; the steps follow the music and translate / express it partially. Greek Folk Dancing is not about learning steps but learning to express yourself though your understanding and interpreting the music, where you learn to vary the number of the steps as you improvise and show some of your personality through the dancing.
• Dancing leads to a greater knowledge of or helps create cultural identity.
• Dancing is a universal social phenomenon that unites people of all ages and cultures.
• Dancing expresses teamwork, individuality, communication, socialization, flirtation, passion and strength.
• Dancing educates, socializes, cultivates the rhythm, exercises the body. It expresses the harmony, among the spirit, body and soul.
• We do not wear cheap tourist Greek costumes but authentic reproductions or original costumes. They are not identical to each other, which is a true representation of society and pay respect to our heritage.
• The importance of listening to Greek music of any genre; As we rarely speak Greek amongst ourselves by simply listening to Greek music and singing it, you significantly increase your engagement with the language.
• Our goal is not for the students to “dance” mirror image perfectly synchronised steps but to move freely and be able to express their personality through movement and their interpretation of the music. To learn to work as a team and learn leadership. To gain confidence and courage when in front of an audience which will also benefit them in their normal life beyond their dancing.

Where we vary from other groups.

• Unfortunately for many dance groups their knowledge of the field of traditional dance only touches the surface, mainly with the basis only of movement of form and does not delve any deeper.
• Simply teaching somebody the steps of the feet does not mean you have taught someone how to dance with many of the elements of dance missing.
• Many dance schools only have a very limited repertoire or dance what the teacher likes.
• We teach dances from every region of Greece and Cyprus
• We teach students how to modify their movements to suit their physical size and ability and to be able to modify movement depending on what clothing & footwear is worn.

Some regions we have covered in recent years:

Euboea, Gagavouz Thrace, Naxos, Cappadochia, Vlach, Sarakatsan, Drama, Konitsa, Messinia, Karagounika, Northern Thrace, Serres, Grevena & Voio Kozani, Roumlouki, Goumenissa Kilkis, Levos & Chios, Ikaria, Eptanissa, Dodecanese, Xiromero and more.

Why do traditions, dances and music vary so much from region to region?

Due to Greece’s mountainous landscape and many islands this creates natural borders so the musical and dance traditions of each region evolved predominately independent from other regions, thus resulting in an extremely rich and varied traditional musical culture. The dance group aims to introduce to the wider community dances rarely seen outside their homelands. This is where we see the true essence of Greek folk culture.

Dance classes:

Venue: St Georges Church hall, Corner Saint David and Martin streets Thornbury.

Wednesdays: 7:30 to 9:30pm all ages welcome.

6:30p – 7:30pm Children Primary school ages.

Contact: Nick, 0407844486