They're Dancing To Greece!

June 26, 2006
Hellenic Dance Group of Toledo, OH

Toledo's Hellenic Dance Company - Dances Their Way to Greece
Contributing Writer - Elena Kerasiotis

Toledo, OH - On July 3rd, a dream will come true for the Hellenic Dance Company of Toledo, OH. After a year of fundraisers and performance, the group will finally be beginning their long awaited tour, "to the country that originated democracy from the country that perfected it." Classes have been scheduled at the famed Dora Stratou stage on Philopappou Hill. The group will be one of 10 from around the world that have been invited to perform. The evening performances will be open to the public. The group also has scheduled a 3 day Island cruise to Mykonos, Rhodes, and Patmos, along with a visit to Ephesus in Kudasi, Turkey. They will finish their visit, in Loutraki for a much needed day of relaxation in the blue waters of the Aegean and to experience a little village life.

Artistic and Dance Director, Persilla Zervos, advises that there will be 43 traveling to Greece this year. Ms. Zervos shared that the group had always hoped that they would be able to make this trip; however it was His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, who really suggested and encouraged us, "to go, see, and learn about the country of the group's ancestors - the country of their heritage. With new found enthusiasm the group, along with Assistant Directors, Maria Tzankis and Ted Voudouris hosted a series of fundraisers, that included a community breakfast, pizza, candy bar, and flower bulb sales, as well as, a 2 day car wash. In addition, the group has been successful in soliciting underwriters from throughout Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.

Finally, after much effort, and through the generosity of many parishioners, organizations, Philoptochos, Young Adult League, GOYA, Choir, Toledo and Muskegon AHEPA and several business owners throughout Toledo, the group is on its way. They wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to all that contributed in making their dream a reality. "I have often thought about walking through the gate of the yellow 3 story building in Plaka to participate in a workshop at Dora Stratou Dance School, and I can't believe that we are almost there." Ms. Zervos further advises that, "Dora Stratou is the final authority in traditional Greek Dances, and being able to attend a workshop there is the ultimate dance destination."

The Hellenic Dance Company was formed 10 years ago, and includes four dance groups, Ellinopedia (preschool and 2nd grade), Asteria (2nd-5th grade), Olympians (5th -8th grade) and Hellenic Dancers (High school, college and adults). The group has 93 members in the program. The dance program has been a part of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral for over 80 years. The group rehearses year round with formal rehearsals beginning in April and continuing during the summer in preparation for Toledo's Greek Festival in September. This year's festival begins Friday, September 8th through Sunday, September 10th, 2006 and the group invites everyone to attend. In addition, to the Toledo Festival, and Dora Stratou, Greece, the group has performed at the Greek Independence Day Parade in Detroit, Kalamazoo's Greek Festival, and Fort Wayne, Indiana's Greek Festival.

It is not too late to contribute to the groups travel expense fund. Those interested should contact Ms. Zervos and Pzervos@aol.com. This could be your opportunity to participate in making a dream come true.

Malista!