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FEBRuary 2011

Photo by: Kostas Petrakos

A Brief History…35 Years of FDF.

February 17, 2011 X Saint Theodore of Tyre, Great Martyr Beloved in the Lord, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2

It brings me great joy to greet you on the occasion of the 35th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. The theme for this year’s event is “United”, which not only represents the unity and fellowship amongst the dancers, but the unity we share as Orthodox Christians as the Body of Christ. This weekend is a special gathering for FDF as we celebrate 35 years of history, culture, and family. Many of you remember those early years, with just a small number of dance groups participating, and you have remained faithful and been a part of the tremendous growth of this dynamic ministry. You have been witnesses to the fellowship, the Christian love, and the cultural pride that have become the trademarks of the Folk Dance and Choral Festival. Every person, young and old, who comes to FDF this weekend, will have an experience that is a feast for the senses. The elaborate costumes, the ancient music and the thunderous applause from family and friends will ignite in each person the flame of passion for our Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage. I am grateful to Father Gary Kyriacou and the leadership of the FDF Board of Trustees and the Management Team for their tireless and unselfish efforts to lead this ministry to new and greater heights. As we reflect back over the past 35 years, there are many people who served this ministry with dedication and love, and to each them I express the profound appreciation of the Metropolis. May we be united in Faith, Dance and Fellowship this weekend, and may the Lord grant His blessings upon this gathering and throughout our world.

With Love in Christ, X Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco

May his memory be eternal. Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory. 1934 - 2004

The Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) has become one of the most vibrant youth ministries within the Metropolis of San Francisco. Not only has it redefined Greek folk dancing in America, it has become the central meeting place for Orthodox Christians from all over the West Coast. It has connected thousands of Greeks and created lifelong memories for everyone that has danced, directed or simply attended FDF in the last 35 years. Initially conceived by Peter Preovolos in the 70’s, a San Diego businessman and parishioner of St. Spyridon Church, FDF has grown to what it is today – a four day weekend that includes faith-based workshops, Greek folk dance competition, Glendi’s and special events that change year after year. One of the first programs developed by the FDF management team was a “variety” show which included Greek dancing and it was so successful that other groups were invited to come and dance. Just like any dance or sports competition, the idea of Greek Folk Dance Competition was born. A business plan was soon developed and the junior parish council of San Diego soon developed collateral material and registration packets to create a more organized event. Heading the Western Diocese at that time was His Grace Bishop Meletios who gave the project his generous blessing and thus the Greek Folk Dance and Choral Festival was born. Some early supporters of the FDF program were local international dance teachers Don and El-

lie Hiatt who made up the panel of judges for the competition. Invitations were mailed out to youth groups in the Western Diocese encouraging them to come and participate. The first FDF comprised of five competing teams, 39 dancers in total, and was held in the church hall, with judges positioned on the stage and surrounding audience on rented bleachers. The results were astounding and the FDF competition was held in San Diego for three years in a row after that. By 1980, FDF was transported to San Jose and had grown to over 300 participants. These milestones were recognized by the Western Diocese as a way to bring young Greek-Americans back to the Church and further spread the Orthodox message. The success of the FDF festival encouraged more young adults from Northern California to compete in the Festival and ultimately develop what has become a major Archdiocese program today referred to as the YAL Conference.  Newly appointed Bishop in 1980, His Grace Bishop Anthony quickly realized the power and potential of FDF and encouraged the competition to include some religious workshops in its fourday schedule. Over the years these workshops have been integrated into the annual Festival and the influence of Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory, who passed away on Christmas Day in 2004, has been the driving force behind the festival and how it has evolved over the years to be what it is today. Over the last thirty five years, FDF has progressed, involving hosts of notable visitors and thousands of participants from the Western Diocese, Greece, South America and all over the United States. The evolution and complexity of the dances has been impressive over the years thanks to the resources of Greek dance troupes like the Lykeion Ellinidon of Athens and the Dora Stratou Dance Theatre, who over the years, have put out a variety of recorded dance history continued on page 2

sponsored by: Deree

A Generation of FDF: Rev. Fr. Gary Kyriacou

1976 was a magical year! The United States celebrated its Bicentennial, a new house cost an average of $43,000 and Nadia Comaneci scored the first ever perfect score in gymnastics on the balance beam. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started a company called Apple; just a year earlier Microsoft was established. If you wanted to send an email, sorry, you couldn’t, but if you bought a stamp it would have cost you 13 cents. There were no digital cameras and you needed $28 to own a Polaroid. You could drive a Chevy Corvette for about $5,500, and a gallon of gas cost 59 cents. If you were on the St. Spyridon Junior Parish Council in San Diego you were planning the very first Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival! A whole generation later, having influenced the lives of thousands, FDF is still going strong. Showcasing over 100 groups from the Western United States, some Eastern States, and this year, Hawaii, FDF has grown into the Western Hemisphere’s premiere Orthodox youth ministry program! This splendid event’s success is thanks to you, the participants; directors, dancers, and parents alike! Without your commitment and desire to continually research, study and develop Greek Dance, FDF may not have grown into what

it is today. Without your combined countless hours of dance rehearsal, videotape review (now probably digital recording review) and devotion to progress we would all be sitting at home watching the NBA All-Star Game (despite my love of sports, I’ve never watched that game; I’ve always been at FDF!). FDF has always provided a platform for Greek Orthodox youth to meet each other and interact. These interactions have led to many lifelong friendships and even some marriages! Most of you participating in this year’s FDF were not born in 1976, your parents not yet even introduced to each other, but FDF is still providing the same opportunity now as it did then; giving all participants an opportunity to gather with young people who share the same heritage and faith. FDF has introduced us to exotic instruments, musicians from Greece, and experts in the field of dance. We have learned dance steps and seen costumes and choreography we would never have experienced without this creatively rich, international platform. A sound engineer confessed to me two years ago that he had never provided sound or even seen some of the instruments featured at FDF. We have met Orthodox faithful from Atlanta, Alaska, Hawaii, New York, Argen-

history FROM PAGE 1

seminars taught by some of FDF’s veteran judges.

material, often serving as role models for the FDF dance groups.  Today, dedicated young dancers and seasoned dance directors immerse themselves in the Greek dance culture, taking field trips to Greek villages, watching countless videos and attending dance PAGE 2

A lot has happened since 1976 and there are thousands of FDF dancers who have met through the Festival, have gotten married and now have their own children participating in the competition. FDF is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year and

tina, and different parts of Greece (just to name a few) all because of FDF. Currently, our Greek Orthodox brothers and sisters in the Metropolises of Atlanta, New Jersey and Chicago host similar Folk Dance Festivals. Our Metropolis of San Francisco Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival continues to raise the bar and set the standard! In 1976, depending on their ages, your parents may have been thrilled to own a Bugs Bunny Novelty AM Radio, use the family typewriter or watch Happy Days on the one, 28” color television their parents owned. Only the coolest kids had a rotary dial phone in their rooms. Things like I-pods, laptops, Blue Ray, social networking and cell phones were unimaginable back then. Thirty five years ago, we Greeks were proud to watch Telly Savalas catch bad guys in the hit television series Kojak. We were also proud to be a part of the first FDF. Today, we are gratified by the excitement generated by the cultural experience, competition and fellowship of FDF. Together we have grown and changed, but the spirit and tradition of FDF is something that transcends age and generation. The core values of FDF remain the same today as they were in the beginning and we continue to enjoy this wonderful opportunity to share our proud Greek heritage and our magnificent Orthodox Faith. I’m confident that 35 years from now we will gather to celebrate the 70th Annual Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival. We may not be able to imagine what the future holds, but one thing will still be the same; FDF will continue to provide lasting memories for all of us. X the program is embracing the success and priceless impact it has made on the Greek Orthodox Community over the years. FDF is definitely here to stay and looks forward to another incredible 35 years! X sponsored by

FDF Vision:

The Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival Ministry is dedicated, through Orthodox Christian Fellowship and committed leadership, to promoting, encouraging and perpetuating the Orthodox faith, Greek heritage and culture among individuals, families and communities by expressing it through folk dance, folk art, music, education and language. FDF Goals: To bring people together in Orthodox Christian Fellowship and love, creating greater communion and stronger ties through interaction with fellow Orthodox

Christians. Provide leadership skills to perpetuate the Ministry through the practice of acquired leadership skills in the administration of this organization. Promote ethical and moral standards befitting the life of an Orthodox Christian. Promote, encourage and perpetuate Greek heritage and culture through outreach activities that inform others of the Ministry's events, opportunities and commitment to its purposes and goals. Establish and maintain an administrative body to achieve the purposes outlined in the mission statement. X

2011 Board of Trustees

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, Executive Chairman Father Gary Kyriacou, Chairman Spiro Beckas, Vice-Chairman Katia Boudouvas, Operations Officer Michael Syrengelas, Director of Finance John Boudouvas, Director of Marketing/PR Kathy Loukatos Meck, Director of Choral Festival George Demos, Director of Endowment Christa Barbas, Judge Coordinator/Liaison Eleni Beckas, Secretary George Nickols, Judge Consultant Anne Sirota, Judge Consultant Vickie Demos, Scholarships Manager John Buzas, Legal Consultant Fr. John Hondros, Liturgical Coordinator Fr. Peter Stratos, Diakonia Project Coordinator Fr. Bob Fox, Symposiums and Program Coordinator Deacon Niko Bekris, Metropolis Youth Director Laurie Sahines, Parent’s Rep - North Amalia Chryssopoulos-Skarzenski, Parent’s Rep – South

2011 Management Team: Christine Alexopoulos Eleni Beckas Joanna Demos Katherine Dikeakos Vasili Dikeakos Evangelia Gryparis Anthony John Zoe Kaplanis Christine Karambelas Voula Kolios Nick Metrakos George Mitsopoulos Katina Mitsopoulos George Plumis Kristina Plumis Manoli Rodarakis Elizabeth Syrengelas John Zoumberakis

Registration Team Vendor Coordinator Events Team (Opening Ceremonies) Competition Team Competition Team Choral Competition Competition Team Events Team (Cultural Night) Competition Team Competition Team Competition Team Director of Security Events Team (Banquet Coordinator) Competition Team Competition Team Director of Logistics Director of Registration Logistics Team

EXECUTIVE BOARD / MANAGEMENT TEAM MENTORS

Christa Barbas Spiro Beckas John Boudouvas Katia Boudouvas Fr. Gary Kyriacou Michael Syrengelas

Judge Coordinator Vice Chairman Director of Marketing/PR Director of Operations Chairman Director of Finance FDF

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ…” Colossians 2:2

Celebrating 35 years of unity through faith, dance and fellowship. May the Lord abundantly bless the Folk Dance and Choral Festival and may He, Who is the giver of all good things, continue to be the guiding light of this ministry for many more years to come! With Love in Christ,

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Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco

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Musician/Performer Bios:

The Glendi continues …

Pontian Musicians from GreecE Yianis Fotiadis Lyra & Periklis Katsiotis Daouli

Margarita from Fame Story and the Greek Nite band Margarita is often described as the “heart of the party.” Born and raised to a GreekAmerican family in Northern California, she is just as local as she is global. Margarita was just a teenager at Berkeley High School and while most kids were listening to the tunes of their generation, Margarita was drawn to the music of her ancestors. She would sing Greek songs on the guitar and eventually join the Greek band Kymata, playing local festivals, parties and special events. During this time, she also studied and received her degree in music from San Francisco State University where, during her recital, she proved that opera, musical theatre, or even cabaret style could suit her just fine. But, it was the Greek music, however, that filled her heart and soul. Her ambition took her to Chicago for a stint headlining in a local club in the heart of Chicago’s Greek town. She later moved to Los Angeles to tackle recording and performing her own music, but when she learned that auditions for “Fame Story” were taking place in New York, off she went to try her luck. Fame Story was the Greek response to “American Idol” and “Big Brother” rolled into one where contestants live in a house together and then compete weekly, hoping to win a grand prize that includes a recording contract. She quickly landed a spot in the hit series and soon enough, her smiling image was already on Greek TV. After an amazing three year professional career in Greece, Margarita has brought all her experience and talent back to California to share. Her long overdue and anticipated Greek CD: “Margarita - Ta agapimena mou tragoudia (my favorite songs)” was released in May 2005 and she is currently working on several other projects along with musician Doug Major. ZIYIÁ Traditional Music of Greece www.ziyia.com Ziyiá is a band of three musicians from San Francisco, one from Boston, and one from Seattle, drawn together in 1990 by a passion for traditional Greek music. The sounds of the ensemble range from the heavy, passionate dance tunes of mountainous Epiros in northern Greece to the lithe melodies of the Aegean Islands. Several traditions have been drawn upon for Ziyiá’s repertoire, and many indigenous instruments are featured such as the gaida (bagpipe), oud & laouto (lutes), lyra and santouri (bowed and hammered stringed instruments), doumbeleki and daouli (regional percussion) as well as the more commonly known clarinet, violin, accordion and bouzouki. As individuals, they have all served on the staff of the annual Balkan Music Dance Workshops held on the East and West coasts and have played countless concerts, festivals, and dances. As Ziyiá, they are recognized as one of the finest exponents of traditional Greek music in the US and are invited to play for festivals, workshops, weddings and community events in Canada,

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Hawaii, Chicago, Florida, Los Angeles, Boston - wherever people love to dance and listen to Greek music. Some of the musicians of Ziyiá have been participating at FDF since 1988, playing at the evening glendi’s and for many awardwinning groups for nearly 20 years. Ziyiá has two recordings available on CD From the Mountains to the Islands Traditional Music of Greece Travels with Karagiózis - Traditional Music of Greece Christos Govetas – vocals, laouto, clarinet, zurna George Chittenden – clarinet, gaida, zurna, saxophone Beth Bahia Cohen – violin, lyra Lise Liepman – santouri, accordion Rumen Sali Shopov – daouli, defi, doumbeleki To contact Ziyiá: George Chittenden & Lise Liepman (510) 525-4342

FDF?

February 26, 2011 6pm- 12 midnight Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 10830 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241

mezethes and no host bar

Looking for more info on

admission: $25

Hosted by the Saint Sophia Greek Folk Dance Program Contact: Eleni Constantine @ 310-420-8374 or [email protected]

Visit

yourfdf.org.

Endasi is a Greek music ensemble, comprised of Dimitri Papadimitriou (Atlanta), Yianni Themelis (New York) and Dimitrios Dallas (Chicago). Hailing from folk dance backgrounds, Endasi developed a deep love for the Greek music tradition. With years of musical experience, Endasi has performed all over the U.S. and has appeared several times at FDF - playing for groups of all ages. Contact them today for your next baptism, wedding, Greek night, dance performance, private party or just to have a great time. From traditional music to more modern Greek stylings, Endasi has the right mix of music to make your event a memorable one. For more information, visit Endasi at www.endasi.com or email: info@ endasi.com . Olympians: When one hears the soulful sound of the bouzoukia, the beat of the drums, the strum of the guitar, and the powerful klarino, you know you are listening to the Olympians Band.  This is a signal to dancers that the celebration has started and it is time to dance the night away to the band’s vast repertoire of music people love so much.  The Olympians first connection to FDF was in 1978 as musicians when they provided entertainment for the Evening of Mediterranean Magic,’ a theatrical show where all dancers performed.  The Olympians Band helped develop and expand the integration of live music with Greek folk dance performances.  Groups were no longer constrained by cassette recordings; the Olympians were able to take performances to a higher level, as the musicians became an integral part of the dances.  Tragedy struck the band in 1986 when guitarist Steve Kidd was fatally injured in an automobile accident.  The band went without a guitarist for a couple of years, but saw the talent and energy of the group’s present, Jerry Thermos.  George, Jim, Peter, Jerry and Steve make up the present members of the band.  They have been truly blessed as the band members have played for their own weddings and their children’s baptisms. X 

California Produce proudly supports the FDF ministry and wishes everyone the best in 2011! FDF

As soon as I knew I wanted to study abroad, I wanted to come to Greece. And out of all the programs I looked at, this one seemed to be the most accessible to study abroad students, while still offering the most Greek experience. I liked the idea of getting to actually hang out with Greek people.” Take it from Deborah: When you study abroad at DEREE – The American College of Greece, you’ll have the opportunity to experience full cultural immersion. Because over 90 percent of our students are Greek, you’ll get to know the country and culture in a personal, firsthand way.

DEREE offers a wide range of courses—more than 1,000, in fact— which are all taught in English. And because we are U.S.-accredited, these courses will easily transfer to your home institution. Plus, one comprehensive fee covers your entire study abroad experience: tuition, housing and DEREE-sponsored excursions to incredible sites throughout Greece are all included. We’ll even greet you at the airport and help get you settled.

Learn more about studying in Greece at www.acg.edu/study-abroad.

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FDF 2010 Dance & Choral Groups

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FDF Offers Exciting Scholarship Opportunities! FDF is dedicated to helping our young dancers further their education in the Orthodox faith and Greek dance culture. Below is a list of scholarship opportunities that FDF offers every year to its participants.

experience at the seminar for the OLI MAZI newspaper to be included for the upcoming FDF festival (Note: This can be a joint article written by both attendees).

DEADLINE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS IS ALWAYS JANUARY 24 PRIOR TO THE FDF WEEKEND.

Musical Apprenticeship Scholarships FDF offers participants the opportunity to learn a traditional Greek folk instrument from qualified instructors.

If you would like to be considered for one of these scholarships, notify your parish priest (or dance program advisor) and ask them to submit your name to the following on or before the deadline above: Vickie Demos, Scholarships Director [email protected] Memorial Scholarships The FDF Memorial Scholarships are given to outstanding individuals that are recommended by their parish priest. Each individual will be awarded a US Savings Bonds in the amount of $1000. Chosen from the many letters of recommendations submitted, scholarships are awarded to deserving FDF participants. We encourage all parishes to submit a letter of recommendation for outstanding individuals. The six awards are: • The Chris Papadimitrakis Scholarship (sponsored by the FDF) • The Cynthia Anderson Scholarship (sponsored by the FDF) • The Father Homer Demopoulos Scholarship (sponsored by the FDF) • The Katherine Velthoen Scholarship (sponsored by the Modesto community) • The Jim Papangellin Scholarship (sponsored by the George Papangellin family) • The Dean Philips Scholarship (sponsored by the George Demos family) Eligibility High School senior through Junior year of College and must be attending and participating in the current year’s FDF. Ionian Village - Dance Scholarships to Greece FDF offers dance directors the opportunity to learn well-researched traditional Greek folk music, song and dance from qualified professional instructors in Greece. Objectives To give deserving FDF dance directors the opportunity to learn well-researched traditional Greek folk music, song and dance from qualified professional instructors in Greece. The following factors will be considered: • Directors who have demonstrated outstanding Christian fellowship in their communities. • Directors who can make a long-term future commitment to teaching folk dance groups within the Metropolis. • The directors that are sent on this scholarship will also act as ambassadors from the Metropolis of San Francisco and will help promote cooperation between the FDF and sister Greek folklore organizations. Description Two FDF dance scholarships will be awarded and will include airfare, dance instruction and room and board in attending the seminar in Greece. The recipient will need to do the following when awarded the scholarship: • Take a video camera and record as much of the instruction as possible. • These recordings must be on good quality VHS (or DVD) format. • The recipient must also obtain recordings of the music presented, records, cassette tape or CD. • Upon return, each recipient will need to make copies of the video as well as the music and submit them to the FDF Scholarship Director, Vickie Demos. Once the video tapes and music have been submitted to the FDF and the article submitted for the OLI MAZI newsletter, the recipient will receive in turn, $250 to cover the miscellaneous expenses such as video tapes, cassette tapes, etc. Eligibility All FDF dance directors that are a member in good standing in the Greek Orthodox Church (or their parents) and that have participated in the FDF are encouraged to apply. • All recipients will be required to submit proof of health insurance that will coverthem in Greece for the duration of the seminar. • All recipients will need to obtain/renew their passports. • Also, each recipient is required to write an article of his/her PAGE 10

Objectives The purpose of the musical scholarship is to continue to preserve Greek culture through learning and public playing of Greek folk music by giving deserving FDF participants the opportunity to learn a traditional Greek folk instrument from qualified musicians. The scholarship would not be successful if a recipient learned the instrument but never played with a band. The scholarship terms and conditions must stress group performance and public performance to ensure success of this scholarship. The following factors will be considered: • Applicants who have demonstrated outstanding Christian fellowship in their communities. • Applicants who have demonstrated their commitment to the FDF program and who do not have either access to or the resources to pay qualified musicians. • Applicants who can make a long-term future commitment to playing traditional Greek music for their community and for the greater FDF community. Description Two FDF Musical Apprenticeship scholarships will be awarded. Each applicant will identify the instrument of their choice and the Scholarship Committee will identify candidate instructors. • Applicants must own the instrument they wish to learn to play before lessons begin. Investment in the instrument demonstrates that the applicant is serious about learning and later playing the instrument. • Applicants should have some prior knowledge in instrumental music; such as school or private lessons, ability to read music, etc. • The scholarship funds are to be used to offset either travel expenses or teaching fees. • Recipients will practice with instructor’s band (if applicable) on a regular basis during the period of the scholarship. • Recipients will play the selections they have learned with instructor’s band (if applicable) at the FDF annual event, the FDF Symposium and any other FDF-sponsored events where instructor’s band plays during the period of the scholarship. • Recipient will also play with instructor’s band at non-FDF events at the discretion of the band (if applicable). • Recipients will play for FDF events or dance group performances gratis, only reimbursed for expenses for a period of 2 years after the scholarship apprenticeship period. • The Scholarship Committee and the selected mentor will determine distribution of scholarship funds. • A cassette tape or DVD containing the music learned and played by the recipient is required upon completion of the scholarship term, which is the next FDF Convention weekend. • A final payment will be made to the recipient upon submittal of the cassette tape or DVD for any out-of-pocket expenses. Important Disclaimer The FDF Board of Trustees does not make any claims as to the quality or value of the workshops, but feels that it is an appropriate seminar for an FDF director to attend. Since there are many Greek folk dance seminars offered in the summer, the selected seminar chosen by the FDF must be critiqued by the recipients and submitted along with the videotapes and cassettes. The recipients are required to attend the entire seminar. If the recipient cannot attend the seminar, they DO NOT have the option of sending someone else in their place. Applicants are required to sign the enclosed waiver upon submittal of the application which holds the FDF Board of Trustees, its officers and advisors, the Diocese and the Archdiocese harmless for any type of loss, injury, illness or expense arising from the scholarship. Recipients who are under the age of 21 will be required to have their parents sign the waiver as well. All FDF participants (or their parents) that are members in good standing in the Greek Orthodox Church and have participated in an FDF are eligible. FDF

Past Humanitarian Award Recipients

Memorials: 2010 Athan Karras, Los Angeles, CA Dancer, Director & Educator 2010 Dennis Boxell, Anaheim, CA Dancer, Director & Choreographer 2010 Maria Kalmantis, Modesto, CA Dancer 2009 John Gianakopoulos Las Vegas, NV Dancer 2009 Dimitri Simvoulakis Modesto, CA Son of FDF Judge Irene Peros 2007 Father Efstathios Mylonas Pasadena , CA Priest 2006 Tasia Tsobanoudis Dancer 2006 Bebelekov Musician

2004 His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony San Francisco, CA Metropolitan & Spiritual Father of FDF For 25 Years 2004 Anthony Forakis, Modesto, CA Dancer 2002 John Papadoupoulos Atlanta , GA Dancer, formerly with Dora Stratou Theatre 2001 Kathy Trapp Castro Valley, CA Choir Director 2000 Anna Efstathiou Oakland , CA Dancer, Director, Researcher 2000 Vilma Matchette Lynwood , WA Dancer, Director, Researcher, Costume Judge, Author 2000 Jim Papangellin San Jose , CA Dancer, Director 1999 Elizabeth Angelis Harper Seattle, WA Dancer, Mother of three 1999 Fisher Theodore Harper Seattle , WA Son of Elizabeth Harper 1999 Ian Joseph Harper Seattle , WA Son of Elizabeth Harper 1999 Katherine Velthoen Modesto , CA Dancer & Director 1998 John P. Angel Seattle, WA Dancer 1997 Kim Efstathiou Castro Valley , CA Dancer, Director, FDF Officer 1997 Paul Ginis Founder and Director of the Greek American Folklore Society, Choreographer 1994 Nick Varvitsiotis Pasadena , CA Dancer, Director, Choreographer 1994 Soula Kunelis Granada Hills, CA Mother of three FDF Dancers & Directors 1994 Chris Tsantilas Seattle , WA Dancer 1994 Manolis Abazis Redondo Beach , CA Dancer 1993 Jim Markus Sacramento , CA Dance enthusiast and supporter, Researcher, Director 1993 Chris Tasulis Los Angeles , CA Judge, Dancer, Director, Producer, Choreographer 1993 Father A. Homer Demopulos Seattle, WA Priest 1992 Spiro Pathos Pasadena , CA Dancer 1992 Katerina Perivoliotis San Jose , CA Dancer 1988 Bill Angeles Seattle , WA Dancer 1988 Ted Petrides Athens , Greece Judge, Dancer, Musician, Professor 1986 Dora Stratou Athens , Greece Dancer, Choreographer, Researcher 1980 Christos Papadimitrakis Bakersfield , CA Dancer 1979 Cynthia Anderson Castro Valley , CA Dancer

Judges Profiles

Dance Judges

Louise A. Bilman, LCSW (National Diplomate) is a psychotherapist in private practice and supervisor of a training program for psychotherapists in the Pasadena area. She was initially trained as a musician and professional accompanist in her native Canada before moving to California. Louise Bilman has pursued studies in Greek music since 1960. She taught the dance portion of UCLA’s first course in Greek, which was given by Dr. Sotirios Chianis in 1966, and together they set up the first formal course of dance instruction in a Southern California Greek Orthodox church, which was pioneered by St. Katherine Church of Redondo Beach. In 1968 UCLA hired her to teach an academic course on Greek dance, “Greek Dance in its Cultural Context.” This attracted some people from the film industry and was popular enough to be continued for seven years. At the same time, she began a series of study tours to Greece, initially with Dr. Chiannis and his family on an ethnomusicology course, subsequently each year independently. Her area of interest has taken her to extended visits to Samothrace, Epirus, South Western Greece and the Thracian-Bulgarian and Thracian-Turkish borders. In recent years she has focused her interest in Kalymnos and the central Dodecanese Islands. Because her study is not only the forms of dance but also its social utilization as a representation of community values, she is interested in the “raw material” - the dances and songs of shepherds and sponge fishermen of small villages - rather than the performance group as a vehicle to perpetuate traditional values. She has also presented seminars on this topic for the ITHACA Cultural Study Program in Greece, which is under the direction of Dr. Nikos Germanakos. She has been serving as a judge since 1989 and was given the FDF Heritage Hall of Fame award in 1999. Louise Bilman currently teaches dance classes at Kypseli Folk Dance Center in Pasadena. Renee Cleary has taught Greek Dance at Fullerton College and was a member of a performing Greek Dance Group for thirteen years, seven as the director. She has traveled widely through Greece, collecting and researching both costumes and dances. She observed both professional and amateur dance groups and village festivals. Renee

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has been involved continuously for 35 years with Greek dance workshops, festivals, consultations and as a teacher of Greek dancing. She first participated in FDF in 1981 and has been a costume or dance judge every year since 1985. Dr. Mary Coros has an extensive theoretical background in dance having earned BA and MA degrees in Dance from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a Ph.D. in Theory of (Dance) Education from the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her doctoral dissertation project was considered to be cutting-edge work by a distinguished committee.  Titled: “From Dance Into Language”, she sought to learn the nonverbal knowledge  a dancer has by recovering her own experience of dancing Sirtos from Crete.  She has been on dance faculty at UCLA and California State University, Long Beach; as well as guest lecturer at several other universities.  She is published in Oli Mazi, KPHTH, Laographia, Reflections: Essays in Phenomenology; UCLA Journal of Dance Ethnology; Dance Research (International Council for Traditional Music Study Group on Ethnochoreology); Journal of Modern Greek Studies and International Encyclopedia of Dance.  But as well, Mary has much practical experience in the art of dancing especially with the dance of Greece.  She has been the dance Director  of troupes in California and in Toronto where she has lived; and has been guest consultant/teacher most especially  for Cretan dance and  for  key  presentational aspects of dancing and dance programs for Greek/Cretan communities in California, Salt Lake City, Denver, Pittsburg, Washington DC, Atlanta, Florida, New York,  etc.  She has been commissioned several times for modern (art) dance works and also for Cretan dance most notably “Odyssey ‘93” for the Pan Cretan Organization of America (PAA) which toured Greece/Crete.   Mary has been an FDF (San Francisco Diocese) judge since 1989 and an HDF (Atlanta Diocese) judge since its inception a few years ago.   Sofia Efstratiou has been dancing from childhood and has  directed several dance troupes in her 25-year dance career. She has been attending FDF since 1988 and started her dance and director career at the St. Nicholas parish in San Jose, CA. Sofia spent 5 years in Greece where she was a dance member of the Lyngistes Dance Troupe led

by Yanni  Konstantinou.  During her years abroad, she attended several dance seminars and numerous cultural gatherings and events. Through this dance journey, she developed a deep understanding, true inspiration and passion for the Greek heritage through dance. This experience gave her the opportunity to obtain extensive  knowledge in many dance regions of Greece. Sofia has studied in great detail the dance, music, customs, traditions and dress of Western Macedonia giving emphasis to the region of Florina. Other regions of research and interest and study include Epirus and Eastern Macedonia.   Her  devotion and love for Greek dance continues to encourage her study today. Joseph Kaloyanides Graziosi was born and raised in Boston of Italian and Greek parents and graduated cum laude from Brandeis University. He has done extensive field research on Greek dance both in Greece and among the Greek immigrant communities in the United States. He has taught at major folk dance camps throughout the world. Joe was director of the Greek Music Tour in 1982 sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. Joe has been involved in FDF since 1985 and is also an HDF judge. Joe can be reached at [email protected]. Larry Halfhill has 19 years of FDF experience as a dancer, director and choreographer, and became an FDF competition dance judge in 2006.  He wants to contribute back to a vital youth program, and also bring a different perspective to the judging process.  Larry’s broad-based dance experience over a period of 25 years spans regions and borders, and he considers all Greek dances to be of special interest and worthy of discovery, research and preservation. Larry’s Greek roots derive on his mother’s side from Arcadia.  He was born in Marin County, California, and has called many places home, including the Pacific Northwest, Upstate New York, the Netherlands, Germany, and finally Southern California.  Larry and his wife Bessie Nicolaou Halfhill, a former FDF dancer and director, live in Seal Beach with children Thanasi and Maria.  He is an active member of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim.  Larry attended USC, where he earned BS and MS degrees in aerospace engineering and an MBA in finance and marketing. Louis Kades was born in Los Angeles to Greek immigrants from Arkadia in the Peloponnese. Growing up he was exposed to the traditional songs, dances and customs from his parents’ homeland. An avid dance enthusiast from an early age, he eventually became involved in the operations of the

1985 His Grace Bishop Anthony - San Francisco, CA 1986 Don and Ellie Hiatt - San Diego, CA 1987 His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos - New York, NY 1988 William Korinthias - San Francisco, CA 1989 Litsa Preovolos - San Diego, CA 1990 Sydney McIntyre - Tacoma, WA 1991 John Haretakis - Anaheim, CA 1992 Andrea Kyprianides - Los Angeles, CA 1993 Angelo Tsakopoulos - Sacramento, CA 1994 George Kokalis - Phoenix, AZ Dena Stamos - Modesto, CA 1995 Christine Peratis - Long Beach, CA 1996 Nicholas Petris - Piedmont, CA 1997 Panos and Bertha Angels - Northridge, CA 1998 Helen Lambros - San Marino, CA 1999 Anna Efstathiou - Oakland, CA 2000 George M. Marcus - Palo Alto, CA 2001 Athan Karras - Tarzana, CA 2002 Loula C. Anaston - Belmont, CA 2003 Fanis Economidis - Los Altos, CA Evanthea N. Condakes - Boston, MA 2004 Mark Arapostathis - San Diego, CA 2005 His Grace Bishop Anthimos of Olympos 2006 Frosene Phillips Maniatis - Orinda, CA 2007 Reverend Father Thomas J. Paris - Oakland, CA 2008 Nikolaos Stefanidis, Ph.D - Los Angeles, CA 2009 Isidoros Garifalakis - Vancouver, WA 2010 Valerie Roumeliotes

FDF Host Cities 1976 – Present 1976 St. Spyridon, San Diego 1978 St. Spyridon, San Diego 1979 St. Spyridon, San Diego 1980 St. Nicholas, San Jose 1981 St. Spyridon, San Diego 1982 St. George, Fresno 1983 St. Spyridon, San Diego 1984 The Annunciation, Sacramento 1985 Resurrection, Castro Valley 1986 St. Spyridon, San Diego 1987 Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Long Beach 1988 The Annunciation, Sacramento 1989 Ascension, Oakland 1990 St. Demetrios, Seattle 1991 Folk Dance Festival Council – Los Angeles 1992 St. John’s, Anaheim 1993 Folk Dance Festival Council – Sacramento 1994 Folk Dance Festival Council – Phoenix 1995 Folk Dance Festival Council – Ontario 1996 Folk Dance Festival Council – San Francisco 1997 Folk Dance Festival Council – Ontario 1998 Folk Dance Festival Council – Ontario 1999 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Ontario 2000 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – San Jose 2001 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Pasadena 2002 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Spokane 2003 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Anaheim 2004 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Ontario 2005 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Ontario 2006 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – San Diego 2007 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Ontario 2008 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Ontario 2009 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Ontario 2010 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – San Jose Folk Dance Festival in 1990 and continued to be on the FDF Board of Trustees until 2008. Striving to expand his knowledge of dance and culture beyond his parents’ villages he has participated in various workshops and seminars including helping to organize several workshops. Through these workshops he has cultivated friendships with many instructors and villagers throughout Greece. One of his key interests is in Greek folk music and he loves to play the daouli and the doumbeleki. He met his wife Vicki (Apostolou) Kades originally from Seattle, WA through FDF and from 2003-2006 they co-directed the award winning Pyrkagia. Over the years he has consulted and assisted various directors with their groups. He became a judge in 2010. George Nickols is a native Los Angeleno, he holds a BA in Mathematics and is currently retired from working for data networking and telecommunications corporations.  His devotion to his ethnic Greek heritage in both dance and theatre has brought him immense joy and pleasure.  George has

been involved in Greek dance since 1963 and has participated in many Greek cultural events, productions, international festivals, TV and films.  George has been a member of the FDF Board of Trustees since 1990 and has been a judge since 1986. George Papangellin began dancing in 1974 with the Ionian Dancers, at St. Nicholas parish in San Jose.  He helped start the Parnassos Dancers for Holy Cross parish, Belmont in 1981.  In 1983, he directed the Epirus Dancers at St. Nicholas in San Jose.  After moving to Fresno, he joined and directed the Kefi Dancers, for St. George. During his time in both Frenso and San Jose, he stage directed various Greek variety (music, dance, skit) performances in San Jose, San Francisco, Phoenix, Fresno and Seattle. In Fresno, he choreographed “Zorba, the musical” for The Good Company Players. He continues to either direct or work with various dance groups in Fresno’s St. George Greek Community, and teach Greek

see Judges on page 12 PAGE 11

Metropolitan Anthony Elios Award – Humanitarian Award John Gumas

love with the heart and soul and parea of Greek dance and music at the Intersection, the folk dance café opened by Athan Karras in the 1960s. She performed with the Intersection Greek Dancers and was an original member of the Panegiri Dancers, directed by Nikos Varvitsiotis and co-directed by George Nichols, performing at festivals in Pasadena and Redondo Beach long before those communities were sending dance groups to FDF.  Robbi directed dance groups at St. Katherine’s in Redondo Beach for eight years and has judged the competition at FDF on and off since 1998. She has travelled to Greece and has participated in workshops with a special interest in the regions of Pontos, Thrace and Macedonia, along with Kalymnos, thanks to Louise Bilman. Robbi has continued to teach Greek dance at Kypseli Dance Center and at Café Asteria Greek Dance Club in West Los Angeles where, along with Anne Sirota, she is actively involved in perpetuating interest in Greek dance and culture. Anne Gani Sirota was born in the Greek community in Alexandria, Egypt, where her grandparents immigrated in the early 20th century from Arta and Ioannina, Epirus. Anne has studied, performed, and taught Greek dance for over 40 years. She was assistant director and lead dancer of the Ellas Dance Theater, directed by Charlie Kyriacou for four years, as well as a member of several other Los Angeles performing companies including the Intersection Greek Dancers, Panegyri, directed by Nikos Varvitsiotis, and O Pontos, directed by Nikos Savvidis. Anne travels to Greece often and has concentrated her studies of Greek dance on Pontian and Macedonian villages in Northern Greece, attending festivals, weddings, seminars, classes and performances in Greece and the United States. She presented a paper on “A Wedding in Florina” at the International Organization of Folk Arts

(IOFA) in 2000 and has written articles for Oli Mazi. She consults frequently with dance groups and has taught Greek dancing classes at Kypseli Greek Dance Center in Pasadena as well as Pierce and Santa Monica Community Colleges. Anne is one of the founders and leaders of the Café Asteria Greek Dance Club in Los Angeles, preserving and disseminating traditional dance. Anne has been an FDF judge continuously since 1988 and was an HDF judge for several years. Anne is currently a member of the FDF Board of Trustees as a judge consultant. Bessie Stavropoulos has been involved in FDF for over 20 years either as a dancer, director or both. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, she first attended FDF in 1987 as a dancer from St. John the Baptist. In 1993, she began directing at the age of 15 and one year later, her group was the first primary group to ever win sweepstakes in FDF history. She continued dancing and directing well into her college years but stepped away for a short period to complete her degree, Bachelors of Science in Architecture. Upon returning to the dance scene, she received the Division I - Director’s Award in 2003. She became the head director of her community and was directing as many as four groups at a time. Bessie has attended many seminars throughout the United States, Canada and Greece. For four consecutive summers from 2007-2010, she studied dance in Greece which included attending seminars taught by some of Greece’s finest instructors, touring Thrace and Macedonia and learning the many traditions and dances of her father’s region of Preveza, Ipiros. With the help and support of the St. John’s Dance Ministry, Bessie organized the Horepse Dance Seminar in Las Vegas in 2007, 2008 and 2009 where they featured top instructors and musicians from all over Greece and the United States. They hope to host more in the near future! She

Photo by: Kostas Petrakos

hood at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco on August 15, 1955. Father James has served many parishes including: Saint Alexios/Saint Barbara in Ely and McGill, Nevada; Holy Trinity Cathedral – Salt Lake City, Utah; Holy Transfiguration – Anchorage, Alaska; Saint John the Baptist – Las Vegas, Nevada; and Nativity of Christ – Novato, California. In 1984, Father James was appointed by His Grace Bishop Anthony as Chancellor of the Diocese of San Francisco, following which he served as Dean of Saint Sophia Cathedral in

Los Angeles until his retirement in 1995. Taking to heart the words invoked at his ordination, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4). Following his formal retirement, Father James continued to unselfishly answer the call of the Church and served several parishes in the Metropolis on an interim basis including: Saint Dionysios Church – Pittsburg, CA; Greek Orthodox Mission – Maui, HI; Saint Barbara Church – Santa Barbara, CA; Assumption Church – Long Beach, CA; and Holy Trinity Church – San Francisco, CA. In December 2006, Father James was appointed as Assistant Chancellor of the Metropolis of San Francisco, and assumed the full-time duties of Chancellor in 2008. He continues to hold this position and is an immeasurable asset to the Metropolis of San Francisco. “Father James is a trusted priest who has served thousands of faithful throughout his long and distinguished ministry. He has also been a tremendous advocate for his brother clergy, as well as providing valuable guidance and support for the Metropolis,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “His example of lifelong service and unselfish dedication is worthy to be emulated by our clergy.” Father James and Presvytera Evelyn currently reside in Novato, California. They are the proud parents of William, Penelope and Thomas; the loving grandparents of five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. X

V. Rev. Father James T. Adams

Father James Adams has been a distinguished clergyman in the Metropolis of San Francisco for over 55 years. Originally from Oakland, California, Father James attended Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts from 1948 – 1953. Following his marriage to Evelyn Spallas, they moved to Greece where he completed his theological education at the Rizarion Seminary in Athens, Greece. Father James was ordained into the Holy Diaconate on May 14, 1954 at the Church of Saint George in Athens, Greece, and was ordained into the Holy PriestJudges from page 11 folk dance, traditions and costumes to Elder Hostel classes at St. Nicholas Ranch, in Dunlap. George has held several positions within the governing and operational bodies of the Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) of the Metropolis of San Francisco.  During the past 13 years, he served as Dance Judge Coordinator, and most recently as a dance judge. He has also been a dance judge at the HDF in Georgia, North Carolina, and most recently at the inaugural AGDC (American Greek Dance Competition) in Chicago. He has traveled throughout Greece and, together with Dr. Mary Coros, prepared the Kamari Dance Group, St. George, Fresno, to perform at various venues in Crete in the summer of 1999. Nikos Savvidis was born in Chrysoupoulis near Kavala, in Macedonia, Greece, where his parents settled after leaving Pontos.  His father played the Pontian lyra, and as a young boy, he learned Pontian dances and folklore.  At the age of seven, he entered the Pontian Club and participated in dance performances at festivals. Nikos moved to Athens, where he danced in various Pontian organizations and acted in Pontian theater.  In Athens, he became interested in dance from all parts of Greece and was invited by Dora Stratou to join the National Ensemble of Greece.  With them, he toured Greece, Europe and Asia.  In the US, Nikos has given workshops and institutes and directed performing groups.  He also makes and sells handcrafted Pontian lyras.   Nikos has been an FDF judge since 1985. Robbi Shulman has been involved in the world of Greek dance for over 35 years.  She was introduced to and fell in

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John Gumas is the Founder and President of Gumas Advertising, a San Francisco based branding, advertising and interactive marketing agency. A veteran of the advertising and marketing industry, John founded Gumas Advertising in 1984. Today, the award-winning firm serves a host of regional, national and international clients and is consistently named as one of the top marketing firms by the San Francisco Business Times. John is very active in our community and currently sits on many Boards, including the San Francisco Giants Community Fund, The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, The San Francisco directed the Las Vegas groups through 2010. Nikolaos Stefanidis was born in Chios, Greece and though he did not dance that much as a youngster, he did pay undivided attention to the dances performed by elders in his native island of Chios. His love of dancing was not put into action until he saw a performance by the Terpsichoreans in Philadelphia in 1976 celebrating the country’s bicentennial. He remained an active dancer until August of 1983 when he left the east coast to pursue graduate studies in Los Angeles. He stumbled upon the Panygiri dance group while they were performing at the Greek festival in Arcadia that very summer, and attended practices as time allowed. His first involvement with FDF was when he was invited to dance Chios dances for a memorial to Manoli Abazis in San Francisco. Nikos is a psychologist in Los Angeles, working with homeless and troubled teens. He was the recipient of the 2008 Humanitarian Award.  Nikos has taught dances from Chios at Kypseli, and consults with various groups in the Los Angeles area. Nikos has been an FDF judge since 2006. Stelios Zoumberakis has been participating in FDF for over 25 years through dancing, directing, and organizing.  He began  his dancing career  at St. George Parish in Downey, California and later at Assumption in Long Beach, California.  He started directing 15  years ago  at various churches in the southland  including St. Sophia, St. George, and Assumption, and has gained a vast amount of  experience with  many regions throughout Greece.  He has extensively studied the dances and traditions of Rethimno, Crete, which is where his family  originates, and has a broad knowledge of dances and traditions from the Cyclades, Dodecanesa, Eptanisa, Macedonia, Thrace, and Pontos.  He also has provided consultation with various dance directors throughout the southland. Aris Yortzidis has been involved with FDF for 24 years as a dancer, director, and member of the FDF Board of Trustees.   He began dancing in his home parish of St. George in Downey, CA in 1982 and also performed with groups from the St. Anthony parish in Pasadena, CA and the Assumption parish in Long Beach, CA.  In 1995 and until his departure from Southern California in 2000, Aris directed groups at St. George, Downey, CA; Sts. Constantine and Helen, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA; and St. Katherine, Redondo Beach, CA. In 1996, Aris received an FDF Scholarship that provided him the opportunity to research the dances of Serres; the dances and traditions of his father’s village of Chrysochorafa (Gagauzika), Serres; the dances of the Vlachs of Serres; and the dances of Pontos in Serres, Katerini (where his mother is from), and Thessaloniki. Aris has continued his research and has

State University Foundation, The Greater San Francisco Advertising Federation, The California Geo-Tourism Council and The Elios Society. In addition, John has been an adjunct professor of advertising and marketing, a regular columnist for numerous publications, a frequent speaker and the author of the popular book “Marketing Smart.” John holds a BA degree in marketing and advertising from San Francisco State University. He and his wife Janice and their family reside in the San Francisco area. “John Gumas is a founding member and member of the Board of Elios since its inception 16 years ago. He is an individual dedicated to the preservation of Hellenism and the principles of our Orthodox Faith. He has been instrumental in the implementation and success of several programs always giving more that he receives in recognition. The Elios society is very proud to honor John with this award of excellence as a small token of appreciation,” stated Fanis Economidis, President Emeritus of the Elios Society. X obtained broad knowledge of the dances of Thrace, Macedonia, the islands (Kyklades, Dodekanisa, Eptanisa), and other regions of Greece.   He continues to present at seminars and serve as a consultant to groups across the United States and Canada.   He has also served as a judge at several Greek folk dance events and competitions in the United States (Hellenic Dance Festival, Metropolis of Atlanta; Americas Greek Dance Competition, Chicago, IL) and in South America (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and South America). Costume Judges Bertha Angels:   My name is Bertha Angels and I am excited to be rejoining the cast of judges participating in this years’ FDF. I first got involved in FDF in 1983 as an observer and my involvement progressed over the years as my children embraced Greek Folk dancing. Through this involvement I developed a passion for costumes that has led to years of continued research and learning. As a result of my efforts, I have previously served as a costume judge at FDF. I’ve been fortunate to be part of several Communities in the Los Angeles area. Currently, I’m an active member of Saint Sophia Cathedral.  Over the years I’ve done extensive research and made costumes from every region of Greece in support of multiple communities. In the course of researching costumes, I have gained extensive exposure in materials, pattern making, embroidery, crocheting trim and detailed sewing in an effort to preserve the rich authentic Greek traditions of costume making. I hope to translate my experience in critical support of the tremendous efforts shared by all at FDF this year. Julie Mamalis has been involved in the folk dance movement for the last 28 years, where she has researched and created Greek costumes for the Annunciation parish in Sacramento. She is instrumental in presenting a “cultural exhibit” for the parish’s annual Greek festival, providing visitors a historical overview of ancient Greece to the present, through the display of a vast collection of photographs, authentic items and clothing. She currently serves as a member of Annunciation’s parish council, and is a long-time member of the church choir, where she was the organist for 25 years. Julie has retired from a long career at the State Capitol where she worked as an administrative assistant for a state assemblymember and senator. Julie is the mother of two grown children, who both participated in FDF, and now enjoys watching three grandchildren who are presently enthusiastic participants of FDF!

see Judges on page 15 FDF

Greek Dance Alive and Well in Hawaii By Paraskevi Contos June

Who would ever believe that Greek dance could thrive in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? With so few Greeks and limited resources, the Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen has overcome insurmountable obstacles to assure us all that Greek dance is alive and well in Hawaii. My family and I moved to Hawaii a little over three years ago and found a program with a determined and passionate dance director, Dianna Graves, and two very enthusiastic groups: Nisiotes (for the adults) and Nisiopoula (for the children). The program has a vibrant history, which began in 1983 with participation at FDF in 1986, 1987, and 1989. Some of Hawaii’s dance pioneers and supporters include Diane Sadlier, Stella and Dave Weil, John Pappas, Maryanthe Eddy, Presbytera Chrysanthe Bessinas, and Symeon and Mary Ellen Michaelidis. After twenty-two years, Hawaii will be making its appearance at FDF 2011! The community consists of about sixty families with an ethnically diverse congregation. Dancers’ participation varies from year to year because the parish is so transient. Parishioners are coming and going due to military duty and young people leave to attend mainland colleges. Dancers are Greek, half Greek, part Greek or non-Greek, but all Orthodox Christians whose love for Greek dance pulsates strongly in their hearts. At the helm of this remarkable program is Dianna Graves who inspires her dancers to work hard, to improve, and to express their love for dance above all. Her husband, Barry, is the “silent” pillar and technical wizard who works hard behind the scenes to make the profdf

gram shine. Hawaii’s program makes an ongoing effort in education and outreach. Performances around the island include the Annual Greek Festival, private celebrations, senior citizen homes, the University of Hawaii, Ala Moana Center, and Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, and so many other venues. Around 20,000 people attend the parish’s two-day festival in the month of August and marvel at the beauty and richness of Greek culture. The dancers put in many hours of practice to ensure that every performance they give is their best. In addition to performances, they have a created a small, yet orderly, costume library, with an expanding repertoire. Even though wool, linens, brocades, and other fabrics, typically used in Greek costumes are virtually non-existent in Hawaii’s fabric stores, the dancers have found ways to perform in full costume however they can. They fundraise throughout the year by hosting luncheons, glendi’s, and coffee hours, staffing an election poll site, selling McDonald’s coupon booklets and Tupperware, just to name a few. Ten fundraisers in all for 2010. In the months to come, director training workshops will be held for those interested in directing and a younger group will be created for the 5-7 year olds. The future is looking very bright for Greek dance in Hawaii. Our milestones would not be possible with the help of many. We are grateful to the FDF Ministry through the blessings and generosity of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, Father Gary Kyriacou, Spiro Beckas, and to the entire FDF Board of

Trustees for bringing us into the heart of this amazing program once again. Recently, the program was very blessed to have had a Pontian dance workshop by Kyriakos Moisidis along with Yiannis Amarantidis, Giorgos Pirilis, and Giorgos Melikis. We are grateful for their outreach and expertise. Our love and appreciation must be extended to Father John Kheunle, the Parish Council, the Philoptohos, and to the parishioners of the Saints Constantine and Helen community who have given so charitably to the dance program. Our love and admiration for dancing would not have been possible without the wisdom and support of Aris and Anna Yortzidis, Aegean Dancers St. Spyridon, San Diego, CA Intermediate The Aegina Dancers St. Nectarios, Covina, CA Junior Aetoi St. Demetrios, Tucson, AZ Advanced Intermediate Agape Dancers St. Demetrios, Camarillo, CA Advanced Primary Aggelakia St Katherine, Redondo Beach, CA Division III Aidhonia St. Demetrios, Seattle, WA Choral - Div I Akritakia St. Demetrios Seattle, WA Primary Akrites St. Demetrios , Seattle, WA Advanced Senior Anatoli Holy Trinity Cathedral, Portland, OR Advanced Primary Anemos Ascension Cathedral, Oakland, CA, Senior Angeloudakia Holy Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix, AZ Primary Antilali Choral Group St. Demetrios, Tucson, AZ Choral - Div I Armonia Sts. Constantine and Helen Cardiff, CA Junior Asterakia St. Anthony, Pasadena, CA Advanced Intermediate Asteria Assumption, Seattle, WA Intermediate Astraios Holy Trinity, San Francisco, CA Advanced Junior Astrape Ascension Cathedral, Oakland, CA Intermediate Astrapi Holy Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix, AZ Senior Athanatoi Annunciation, Sacramento, CA Advanced Senior Atromiti St. John the Baptist, Anaheim, CA Primary Avyerinos St. George, Downey, CA Advanced Junior Bouboukakia St. Anthony Pasadena, CA Division III Chrisa Podia Holy Cross, Belmont, CA Primary Chrysi Aeti Ascension Cathedral, Oakland, CA Advanced Senior Chrysi Psyhi St. Nicholas, Northridge, CA Advanced Junior Delfinia St. John the Baptist, Las Vegas, NV Primary Dio Deka St. Anthony, Pasadena, CA Advanced Senior

Anne Sirota, Sandy and Niki Papadopoulos, Nikos Savvides, Nikos Zournatzidis, Joe Graziosi, John Lulias, Nikos Popas, and Bessie Stavropoulos. We are so thankful and truly blessed for Markella Tsatsaronis and the dance program of Modesto for making and donating the jewelry for the costumes. Dr. Terpsi Tan, a former Honolulu parishioner, donated the banner, and so many other supporters from the Greek dance community came forward to help the Hawaii dancers along this amazing journey. Every step, every dance, every lesson, every performance, every encounter with a Greek dance friend is a gift. Please take a

moment to greet and cheer on the Nisiotes who have come from so far away, yet like all of you hold Greek dance so close to their hearts. The Nisiotes Dancers, Peter Dimitrion, Justin and Linda Kyriannis, Lucian Saikevych, and Maria Striebich, are thrilled and honored to be here. They epitomize FDF’s message of faith, dance, and fellowship. God has blessed the program with so many gifts from all over the Greek dance community. Most unique and inspiring to me about this program is that it takes the best of Greek and Hawaiian cultures. Where you find oikogenia, you will find ohana. Where you find Opa, you will find Aloha! Efharisto and Mahalo! X

2011 Dance Group List Dynami Church of the Holy Cross, Belmont, CA Junior Dynami Annunciation, Modesto, CA Choral - Div II Dynami St. John the Baptist, Anaheim, CA Advanced Primary Ekrixi Annunciation Cathedral San Francisco, CA Intermediate Eliaktithes St. Katherine, Chandler, AZ Senior Ellinika Asteria St. Nickolas, Tacoma, WA Junior Elliniki Klironomia St. Nicholas, San Jose, CA Advanced Junior Ellinopoula St. Nicholas, Northridge, CA Advanced Primary Enomenoi Holy Cross, Belmont, CA Advanced Senior Epitihia Holy Cross, Belmont, CA Advanced Intermediate Filarakia St. Anthony, Pasadena, CA Advanced Primary Filarakia Holy Trinity Cathedral Phoenix, AZ Advanced Primary Floyes St. Nectarios, Covina, CA Primary Foinikes St. George,Fresno, CA Advanced Junior Fotisi St. George,Fresno, CA Choral - Div II Fourtouna St. Sophia, Los Angeles, CA Senior H Katastasi Holy Trinity Cathedral & St. John the Baptist Charlotte, NC & Anaheim, CA Advanced Senior Hara Annunciation Sacramento, CA Choral - Div I Helidonia Greek Orthodox Mission Church San Juan Capistrano, CA Advanced Primary Hrisi Thisavri St. John the Baptist, Las Vegas, NV Junior I Parea St. George, Downey, CA Advanced Primary Ionian Dancers St. Spyridon, San Diego, CA Junior Junior Olympians Assumption, Long Beach, CA Junior Kardoules St. Demetrios, Seattle, WA Division III Keravnos St. Sophia, Los Angeles, CA Junior Kleftopoula St. Nectarios, Covina, CA Advanced Intermediate

Kyklonakia St. Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA Division III Kyklones St. George, Fresno, CA Advanced Primary Kymata St. Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA Intermediate Levendopoula St. Nicholas, Northridge, CA Division III Levendya Assumption, Seattle, WA Junior Liondaria St. John the Baptist, Las Vegas, NV Division III Little Minoans Nativity of Christ, Marin County, CA Division III Mikra Asteria Assumption, Long Beach, CA Primary Minoan Dancers I Nativity of Christ, Marin County, CA Advanced Senior Minoan Dancers II Nativity of Christ, Marin County, CA Advanced Junior Nea Ellas Assumption, Long Beach, CA Intermediate Nea Genea Holy Trinity, San Francisco, CA Advanced Intermediate Nea Zoe Ascension Cathedral, Oakland, CA Primary Neo Kyma Sts. Constantine and Helen Cardiff, CA Primary Neo Kyma Annunciation, Sacramento, CA Senior Nikiforos Holy Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix, AZ Advanced Junior Nisiotes Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral Honolulu, HI Division IV Olympian Dancers Assumption, Long Beach, CA Advanced Senior Orama Annunciation, Modesto, CA Advanced Junior Oreini and Methorios Prophet Elias & Mission Greek Orthodox Churches San Bernardino, CA & San Juan Capistrano, CA Intermediate Orpheus St. Nicholas , Northridge, CA Advanced Intermediate Paleokastritsa St. Andrew the Apostle San Luis Obispo, CA Division III Paradosi Holy Trinity , San Francisco, CA Senior Peloponnisos St. Nicholas, San Jose, CA Advanced Intermediate Periyali St. Katherine, Redondo Beach, CA Intermediate Philopatria Holy Trinity Cathedral, Portland, OR Intermediate

Romiosini Holy Trinity Cathedral, Portland, OR Senior Rythmos St. Katherine, Redondo Beach, CA Advanced Junior Seismos Ascension Cathedral, Oakland, CA Junior Sinefakia St. Sophia, Los Angeles, CA Primary Sirines St. Spyridon, San Diego, CA Choral - Div I Souliotes St. Demetrios, Seattle, WA Advanced Intermediate Spartiates St. Demetrios, Seattle, WA Advanced Junior Spitha St. Anthony, Pasadena, CA Primary Spithes Annunciation Cathedral San Francisco, CA Primary St. Spyridon Youth Choir St. Spyridon, San Diego, CA Choral - Div II Stavroforoi St. John the Baptist, Las Vegas, NV Advanced Intermediate Ta Angeloudakia Assumption , Long Beach, CA Advanced Primary Ta Kanarinia St. Nectarios Shrine, Covina, CA Choral - Div II Ta Levendopeda Annunciation, Sacramento,CA Intermediate Ta Patriotakia Assumption, Long Beach, CA Division III Ta Pedakia Annunciation, Sacramento, CA Junior Ta Xadelfakia Holy Trinity, San Francisco,CA Division III Terpsichoreans St. Anthony, Pasadena, CA Advanced Junior Thisavri Annunciation Cathedral San Francisco, CA Division III Thorivos Annunciation, Modesto, CA Senior Thysavros St. Katherine, Redondo Beach, CA Division III To Thavma Tou Pnevmatos St. Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA Intermediate Veryina St. George, Downey, CA Senior Zephyros St. Nicholas, Tacoma, WA Advanced Intermediate Zoi St. Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA Advanced Primary

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The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Church Music Federation working with FDF! The Federation is the music ministry of the San Francisco Metropolis, made up of church musicians who serve in all capacities—adult choir singers, youth choir singers, directors, chanters, composers, organists, hierarchs and clergy. Our mission is as simple as do-re-mi: to harmoniously support the parishes in our Metropolis with their church music needs and perpetuate the rich musical traditions of our Church. We offer assistance and resources to build or strengthen adult choirs, form or improve youth choirs and Sunday School music programs, train choir directors and chanters, develop congregational singing programs, and assist our hierarchs and priests. We do this through many programs: annual Summer Conferences for worship, singing, education and fellowship, Church Music Institutes to train church musicians, publish The In-Choir-ER newsletter, organize choirs and youth choirs for special Metropolis and regional functions such as FDF, promote the quality of music for the Orthodox Church for adults

and youth, provide resources and support to parishes, and recognize and honor outstanding adult and youth church musicians. We recognize that if we have been blessed with musical talents (or any talents, for that matter), we should be good stewards and develop these talents, use them to help one another, and offer them back to the Lord.Singing praises to God – from the choir loft, chanter stand, congregation, or altar -- is truly a blessed ministry! We thank the Lord for allowing us to serve Him as church musicians, and we pray for His help to carry out our ministry. Our Federation Board along with our appointed Music Committee has been helping in developing a strong Choral Competition for FDF. The FDF Choral Competition has been an integral part of this annual event for many years. The goal of the Metropolis Church Music Federation and FDF is to enhance the music ministry of the Metropolis through encouraging youth participation; and, to promote the study and performance of the see Music on page 15

Greek Village Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch

Back by Popular Demand

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is continuing the successful Greek Village Immersion Camp with its Second Annual “Elliniko Horio” from June 18 – 25, 2011 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. The enormous success of last year’s camp left the children begging for more! Children happily immersed themselves in a fun program which bonded them to their ancestral heritage. With the guidPAGE 14

ance of skilled instructors, they connected themselves with their language, customs, traditions and faith. While having the opportunity to create new friendships and also bond with each other, the children attended classes in cooking, where among other things they were excited to make tzatziki and melamakarona. They learned music, and at night sang their Greek folk songs while roasting marshmallows by the campfire. The children took lessons in theatre, performing for their parents on

the final day of camp. They studied geography and discovered on the map where their ancestors were born. The children also studied Mythology and Greek history; they visited the origin of the Olympic Games and followed their studies with their own participation in a mock Olympic Competition at the camp. Campers attended worship services daily and also had an opportunity to observe the monastic life at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring which is adjacent to St. Nicholas Ranch. Arts and crafts, swimming, basketball and volleyball were also just a few of the many extracurricular activities included in the children’s’ daily schedule. “The Greek Village Camp has become a signature program for the Metropolis of San Fran-

cisco and I am grateful to the families of Dr. James and Virginia Kallins, Dr. George and Bettina Kallins and Dr. David and Barbara Kallins Matty for their continued support of this initiative,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “The Elliniko Horio is a creative and unique way to immerse children in the Greek language and culture, providing a memorable learning experience while forming deep friendships with other youth with whom they share their religious and cultural heritage.” The 230 acre Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center is nestled in the foothills of the Sequoia National Park. Its hiking trails, apple orchards, historic barn and lake provide the atmosphere of a traditional Greek Village

to further enhance a truly cultural experience. Under the guidance and direction of the Metropolis Committee on Greek Education and Culture, “The Greek Village” will again be led by a team of highly qualified instructors, selected from various Greek language schools in the Metropolis. The program is open to all youth ages 7 through 14. Activities will be divided based on age-appropriateness to facilitate learning and enhance the educational experience. Special discounts are available for families sending more than one child or for parents who wish to accompany their child to camp. Enrollment is limited so reserve your space today!

For additional information and registration forms please go to www.ourgreekvillage. com or www.stnicholasranch. org. X

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Metropolis Philoptochos Summer Camp 2011 at Saint Nicholas Ranch athletics, canoeing, OrthoMeets During Fdf dox Life discussion sessions,

vation. (Psalm 95: 1-2). X

Judges from page 12 Irene Peros is a native of Modesto, California. She has been dancing since a very young age. Her pride and love for her Greek heritage have encouraged her to study Greek dance, costumes, and to help teach and share her knowledge and experience with people of diverse backgrounds. Her formal involvement in Greek folklore began in 1984 when she was instrumental in forming, dancing and directing the Patriotes of Modesto. From 1984 to 1999, she directed, assisted or danced in 10 different dance groups in Modesto. She was also involved with the coordination, research and production of 11 awardwinning costumes. Irene also chaired 3 very successful FDF Symposia held in Modesto. Irene has served on the FDF Board of Trustees in several positions and has been involved with various aspects of FDF. Irene has been a costume judge at FDF since 2001. Dena Stamos has been involved in Greek dance since her childhood in Chicago. She first performed at age seven. She became involved in FDF eighteen years ago as Executive Director of the Modesto dance groups. During this time the Modesto representation grew from twelve dancers in two groups to 140 dancers and seven groups. Dena is respected and admired for the accomplishments of the Modesto groups at FDF: 57 awards, including 6 Sweepstakes

fdf

Choral Judges

JIM HRONAS Jim’s love of and involvement with Greek demotic and liturgical music began nearly five decades ago when he took many of his cues as an altar boy from the hymns he heard coming from the choir loft and psaltirion at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California. In the mid-sixties as a clarinetist in middle school orchestra and marching band, he organized a group with some fellow GOYAns to play Greek music at various parish functions. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in economics at UCLA, he obtained his first bouzouki and began teaching himself how to play in his spare time. Upon graduating, he joined the Hellenic Sounds orchestra and had the opportunity to play for some of the earliest FDF events when the folk dance ministry was in its infancy. With his musical performance days on hold since 1986 to devote time to his fam-

• S T. N I C H O L A S R A N C H L O D G E

...αἰνεῖτε Αὐτὸν ἐν τυμπάνῳ καὶ χορῷ... ...praise Him with timbrel and dance… Psalm 150:4

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sacred music of the Greek Orthodox Church, and secular music of Hellenic heritage Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our sal-

EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND

medals and 19 First Place medals. Her expertise in costuming is also evident in the 8 costume awards won by Modesto teams. She did the research for those winning costumes, and parents and dancers did the work with her help. Dena has one of the largest private collections of Greek Folk Costumes on the West Coast and has done multiple exhibits throughout the state. Dena has been involved with FDF for 25 years, including serving on the FDF Board of Trustees. She was a recipient of the FDF Humanitarian Award. She was also honored by the California Arts Council for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts in 2002. Dena has been an FDF costume judge since 1999 and is also a costume judge for HDF.

CAMP AGAPE • BISHOP ANTHONY PHILOPTOCHOS STUDENT AID ENDOWMENT FUND

The

Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos is proud to be a part of the 35th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival. Wishing you many more years of successful fellowship in celebration of our faith and heritage.

P E N N I E S A N D P R AY E R S • W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S • S O C I A L S E R V I C E S /

Music from page 14

KIDS ‘N’ CANCER

HELLENIC CROSS / HELLENIC COLLEGE ADOPT A STUDENT

chos Chapters in the Metropolis of San Francisco representing over 3,500 members who have committed to serving others and bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through good works in their parishes, civic communities, and the greater Metropolis. “As our rich history indicates, we have made a difference in the lives of many. Our seminarians are eternally grateful for reducing their debt when they graduate, our cancer afflicted children and their families see our works as a gift from God, our philanthropy supports our missions worldwide and takes our faith to the corners of our world. We can do this together, by working as a dynamic Board. With hope in the future, faith in our abilities and love for God’s children we can accomplish our mission,” stated President Jeannie Ranglas. X

camp! The dates for Summer Camp 2011 are: Week 1 – July 10-16, Week 2 – July 17-23, Week 3 – July 24-30, Week 4 – July 31 – August 6 (High School Only). Age requirements for the first three weeks are 8 years of age (or entering the 3rd grade in September 2011) to 17 years of age (or Spring 2011 high school graduates). Week 4 is exclusively for High School Students, grades 9-12, who have at least completed their 9th grade year. Summer Camp is a week of fun, fellowship and faith. Campers will have the opportunity to meet other youth from throughout the Metropolis, while participating in the following camp activities: campfires, theater, music, hiking, pool time, Olympics,

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The Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos Board will be meeting on Saturday, February 19, 2011 during the 35th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival. With a long history of philanthropy, and programs and ministries to help those in need, the Metropolis Philoptochos has been a beacon of Christ’s love through their actions, and are an example of true Christian stewardship. Under the leadership of President Jeannie Ranglas, the Metropolis Philoptochos coordinates programs including the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, the Metropolis Spirit of Stewardship Awards, Kid ‘n’ Cancer, Pennies and Prayers, Women’s Health and Wellness, and sponsors regional Philoptochos conferences and retreats throughout the year. There are 56 Philopto-

It’s time to start thinking about summer plans for your children, and there is no better place for them to spend a week or two than Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch. Sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, Saint Nicholas Ranch has provided a fun and life-transforming summer camp experience for nearly 30 years and has strengthened the faith of all who have participated. The staff at Saint Nicholas Ranch believe that our Orthodox Christian Faith is "caught, not taught". In other words, Christian friendship teaches kids more about their faith than any book or class. This Christian friendship is an increasingly rare thing in the world and becoming harder to find, but easy to find at

ily and career with Johnson & Johnson, Jim joined the choir at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church of Pasadena, California in 1999. He has been the choir director there since 2007. Christopher Yokas has been the organist at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral for the past 32 years. He succeeded the late Xenia Anton Desby, who gave him considerable encouragement and advice on his craft. From 1978 through 1992, Chris worked very closely with the late Frank Desby, D.M.A., whose steadfast teaching and guidance were both inspiring and invaluable. Aside from his many music activities and responsibilities at Saint Sophia includ-

ing assistant director of music, Chris was the organist for the 1986 Clergy laity Congress in Dallas, Texas, the 1991 National GOYAL Conference in Los Angeles, the 1995 MidEastern Choir Federation Conference in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, the 1997 Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in Los Angeles, and several San Francisco Metropolis Church Musician Conferences from 1983 to present. He was the principal organist for the three major services of the 2002 Clergy-Laity Congress held in Los Angeles, California. He has worked with many nationally known Greek Orthodox composers and choral directors. In February 2009, he served as a choral judge at the 2009 Metropolis of San Francisco Folk Dance and

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METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD Row 1 – Mary Lofton (Assistant Treasurer); Lisa Xanthos (Recording Secretary); Diana Jianas (Treasurer), Valerie Roumeliotes (Past-President), Jeannie Ranglas (President), Agatha Felactu (1st Vice President), Mari Lou Diamond (Corresponding Secretary); Michele Genetos (2nd Vice President). Row 2 – Voula Dodd, Emilie John, Elaine Wright, Elaine Kanellos, Connie Ralph, Sophie Mastor, Dora Hart, Patricia Aleck, Mary Peros, Genie Kontos, Kathy Gabriel, Judie Christopoulos, Gloria Vincent, Presvytera Evelyn Adams. Row 3 – Rev. Father James Adams, Chancellor; His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos; Deacon Niko Bekris. Not pictured: Frances Bissias, Tula Gallanes, Christine Peratis.

a tour of the Monastery of the Life Giving Spring, and much more. Camp is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and renew old friendships. Camp is also a time for young Orthodox Christians to learn about their faith, values and heritage in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Saint Nicholas Ranch is seeking enthusiastic and committed Orthodox Christians to serve as counselors for Summer Camp. Interested candidates should be age 21 by July 1, 2011. Camp Counselors have the unique opportunity to serve as mentors and role models for campers, sharing their faith and talents in a variety of creative ways. Counselor-in-Training positions are also available for young adults ages 19 – 20. In this position, the Counselorsin-Training gain valuable experience assisting counselors in daily supervision of campers and various aspects of program implementation. In addition, medical personnel (medical doctors and registered nurses) along with certified lifeguards with first aid credentials are needed throughout the summer. If you are interested in finding out more about Saint Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp, or need a Camp Registration form or Staff Application, visit www.stnicholasranch.org. You may also contact the Saint Nicholas Ranch office at (559) 3382103 or e-mail [email protected]. X

Choral Festival. Chris has written “Toward Achieving an Orthodox Sound: A Practical Guide to the Use of the Organ in the Greek Orthodox Church.” He has also lectured at several workshops and conferences and served as an organ and choir consultant for many Greek Orthodox Churches. In February 1997, Chris received the national Forum Patriarch Athenagoras I Award for Distinguished Service to the Metropolis of San Francisco. Chris resides in Burbank, California with his wife, Eleni who directs the Saint Sophia Sunday School, and children Frank Christopher age 12 and Penelope Marigo age 9 who are both dancing at FDF.. X

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“Did you hear…?” The common misconceptions of Competition and FDF -“I heard Judge X went to help that group before FDF” -“Oh, that’s why they won gold” -“Yup” -“How could they have won? Their dances were so easy! Ours were much harder…” -“We got fifth because in the Judges comments they said …” Throughout my many years of dancing and directing, these are some of the things that I have heard long after the dance medals have been awarded and the anger/sadness/bitterness has worn away (well, for most). It’s very easy to assume when you’re not familiar with some of the intricacies involved in judging, dancing, and/or directing, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to review some of the common misconceptions that I have heard (and at one point believed) throughout the years. So here’s my disclaimer: I don’t consider myself an expert of any sort, but my experience and the acceptance of my ignorance has allowed me to learn many things about the inner-workings of FDF.

Misconception #1:

Judges’ Comments A few weeks after FDF, the directors and dancers wait patiently to receive their scores and comments to see where they placed and to read what the judges said about their suites. Many perceive these comments as “here are the reasons your group placed where they placed.” Comments are made by the judges while they are watching the suites. They may not necessarily reflect the reason why they are scoring you high/ low, but may be a suggestion for improvement, or a compliment that made them react positively. The comment may not have anything to do with your score, but is there for advice purposes. Unfortunately, due to time restraints, they are not able to write down everything that they’d like to, so some quick tips usually are what are written the fastest. Comments are supposed to open discussion. Any director that wants feedback from any judge should not wait for their comments, but rather contact the judges individually to discuss their suites and to explore where improvements can be made. Discussions with the judges can seem intimidating-believe me I was a new director once, and I dreaded asking the judges about my suites; as a matter of fact, I still do sometimes. It makes us vulnerable to our work, but, as long as you are PAGE 16

directing for the right reasons (which I’m hoping stems from the desire to teach our youth about our faith and traditions) it shouldn’t mat ter. At least that’s what I’ve told myself… Directing is a learning process and the more we learn, the more we are able to improve our work and expand our dancers’ knowledge. We must be willing to never stop learning.

Misconception #2: Consultations with Judges I’ve heard the grumblings at FDF about how many times judges have come out to help groups, to what extent, and people’s reactions when those groups win. It’s understandable to think that a judge’s consultation is associated with an automatic higher score, but realistically, it doesn’t happen that way. The judges are generally consulted prior to FDF as a “spot check.” These consultations can result in making changes to a suite, whether minor (modifying the styling of a dance, i.e. less bounce, smoothing the step out) or major (making sure the dance is done on the correct beat). Yes, they are there to help improve the suite, but it’s up to the directors and dancers to take that advice and actually implement those changes. If the changes aren’t implemented, or are misunderstood and therefore implemented incorrectly, this can negatively affect a group instead. So, please don’t jump to conclusions when you hear a group rewarded and then find out that Judge X came and helped them. That group was more than likely just as amazing before that judge came out. The bottom line to an amazing suite is ensuring that the director fully understands the material, is able to translate it correctly, and is able to correctly teach it to their dancers.

Misconception #3:

Judges’ Scoring

I’m sure there have been thousands of conversations about the outcomes of the awards and the scoring of groups long after FDF is said and done. I know I too have spent countless hours discussing results with other directors, dancers, judges, really, anyone who would listen. But did you ever think that the judges actually do this too? What some people don’t know about the judges is that they actually LOVE Greek folk dance and that they’re just as passionate about it as many of us are. They are just like us, just like the die-hards that we see in every community, watching videos whenever they get a chance, talking about Greek dance and/or FDF to any ear that’s willing to listen. Each one of them takes the scoring very seriously. They don’t want to mess things up just as much as those dancers on stage don’t want to mess up. The scores are the scores. The judges score each group individually and then turn in their papers at the end of every category. The numbers are input by two separate people into 2 sepa-

rate databases, cross-checked for accuracy, and then checked, and rechecked, before the totals are calculated and the placements are set. It’s pretty simple. There is no discussion amongst the judges about whether these placements are right, there is no switching of placements, as many believe, or any “recalculation” that is done. The numbers say it all. Period. There have been many outcomes where the judges are just as surprised as some of the groups. Which then brings me to the next question, have the judges ever disagreed with the rankings? Of course they have, but a lot of times, those are individual opinions. The scoring is set up to unify all opinions, good or bad, so that all are represented. As a quality measure, every year after FDF, the scores are analyzed in depth to make sure that there are no discrepancies with the scores and the outcomes. There have even been times when the reviewers have looked back upon the scores and “omitted” one judge’s scores to see if the rankings would change. And guess what, they never would. There are enough scores given by each of the judges that doesn’t allow for one judge to “sway” the rankings. The judges are people too; they want to know if everything is legitimate just as much as you do.

Misconception #4:

Simple Dances vs. Complex Dances Many groups look at a dance and think the simpler the step, the simpler the dance or the slower the melody, the easier the dance. This is probably the biggest misconception in Greek dance. Have you really listened to a good Epirotiko Sta Dio? That dance is harder to master stylistically than a Karpathian Panohoro. It’s slow, yes, but within each beat there are so many nuances in the body, the feet, the arms, that have to be achieved. A fellow director, whom I respect very much, once told me, “You don’t dance Epirotika with your feet, you dance it with your soul.” How do you master that? Well, there are groups in our younger categories that have, and they were rewarded for it. This, of course, begs the question: “So then what do they look for in dances?“ I feel that every dance has hallmarks that need to be achieved. One general hallmark that is always looked at is the styling of the dances in your suite and whether they are done the way the villagers would dance them. Within each dance, there are individual hallmarks. For example, some dances have syncopations that need to be shown, or certain steps that need to be differentiated, a specific hop on a particular beat, or a generalized movement that the line must achieve. These hallmarks are what your directors keep reminding you of over and over and over again. As an example, Gaitani from Asvestades, has the following hallmarks: the line needs to achieve a characteristic “breathing” movement, the first 2 steps need

to be distinctly different than the following 4 “koutso” type steps, and there should be a hop up step at beats 9 and 10. These are just a few of the things that the judges are looking at when scoring a group. These are the nuances that localize a dance to that specific village/region. So when you’re watching groups, don’t look for generalities, really watch them and how they dance. Styling is the key, how is the dance done and is it natural? Does the group take you to that village? Do you feel like you’re watching the villagers dancing? There’s a lot more involved than just steps and as many of my dancers have heard me say thousands of times, “I could teach a monkey steps, but I can’t teach him how to Greek dance.”

Misconception #5:

Live Music and/or Props on Stage Within the past 5 years I have seen a huge surge in the amount of props that are on a stage during a performance and in the number of groups using live musicians. These are wonderful things that can accompany a suite, but don’t be fooled, do not think that just because a group has live music and a complete theatrical set on stage they will win a medal. Do not feel that in order to be a “contender” you need to build a house. This misconception has led to many groups feeling forced to use these additional “touches” with results that are generally not the same. Well that’s because the props and/or the live music are not being used in the same way… First, let’s take a look at live music. Many directors utilize live musicians to be able to modify the music that they are playing. For example, in a Cretan suite, musicians can play specific notes during solos to accentuate a step, a slap, a turn, etc. The directors work extensively with the musicians, practicing to make sure these notes are played at the exact points in order to achieve the desired effect. In an Epirotiko suite, a director may utilize live musicians because the music is so complex that good recorded music just isn’t found. Musicians can modify tempos, play accompaniment while your dancers are singing, or just help set your scene. But be wary, live music also comes with disadvantages. Some dancers are used to a specific melody, tempo, beat; they may not feel absolutely comfortable dancing to live music, which can show on stage, especially if the group doesn’t rehearse with the band until the last week. There are inherent sound-system risks. I’ve had many instances where the music just wasn’t heard, or the monitors were off and the musicians couldn’t hear each other playing, causing the whole group to be off. There are risks that will be taken, so before you make a decision about live music, be aware of these risks and plan accordingly. So, my suggestion, take it or leave it, is that if you are planning on having live musi-

cians play music for you the exact same way as your recorded music, then save a few thousand dollars, and use a good piece of recorded music. The judges will not score you lower for it. The same holds true for props, why are they being used? Don’t just plop a table and chairs on stage just because the group before you did. Look deeper at the meaning of the props. Last year, for example, there was a group who brought out so many different props. My first thought was “really? Is that ALL really necessary?” The thought that followed was, “well, I know the director, who’s pretty reputable, so let’s see what they do.” When the suite was done, I realized that the group was completely successful at utilizing their props in such a way that it made me, as an audience member, feel like I had been in the village with them for 12 minutes. It was amazing and that’s when I truly realized that yes, props can enhance, if done correctly. I also thought “I wish I could do that, good thing they’re not competing against my group,” but that’s a different story. Think about your suite. Think about setting a scene. You may not needs props to do it, just be creative. If there is no purpose to those props, the judges will see that, and that, in the end, will hinder your group. So be wary of the risk that you take. So what wins? I thought this would be a nice ending, but I think after reading this article hundreds of times, I finally thought, does it really matter? Is this really why we’re here? This weekend is, the most amazing weekend of the year. It is the only weekend that we can walk around and feel like we are in a museum showcasing Greek costumes from hundreds of villages, the only weekend we can dance to live music from all over Greece all in one night, the only weekend we can socialize with long distance friends and catch up. It is the one weekend that we feel the most pride for being Greek Orthodox Christians and truly feel blessed that His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos continues with the vision that our beloved Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, had for our youth. At the end of the day, the medals are not the reason why we gather. The memories that I have of my friends, my dance groups, my dancing, the stories that I tell, and the feelings of euphoria that are felt when dancing is what I hold close to my heart. Please don’t lose sight of that. We are very blessed to be here and no matter what happens on Sunday night, every single dancer is a winner. Good luck this weekend to all of the groups! Anastacia “Stacie” Zoumberakis Director/Director Mentor Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Long Beach, CA

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