Journey to Greece Through Dance
A Two-Part Performance Featuring the Dances of the Ionian Islands
& an Assortment of Dances from Throughout the Greek World!
Holmdel, NJ – The nationally famous Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey (HDNJ) present Journey to Greece Through Dance, Sunday, March 17, 2013, at Holmdel High School Theater, 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, with a performance of traditional Greek folk dance from 3 – 5 pm. Light refreshments will be available for purchase during intermission. All tickets for the event are $20, and will be available at the door. Advance reservations for this event can be made by contacting Cheryl Bontales, 732.796.1006; [email protected]. This event is funded in part by the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey, Inc., and New Jersey State Council on the Arts – Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Part one will showcase traditional folk dances of the Ionian Islands such as Rouga, Kefalonitikos Syrtos, Lemonia and Zagarakia, and is the first time HDNJ is presenting a full suite from this region! Part two is a “pikilia” or assortment of folk dances from throughout the Greek world, including Karpathos, Rhodes, Crete, Macedonia, Thrace, Cappadocia, and Cyprus to name a few. Many of the dances featured in Journey to Greece Through Dance are not seen outside of the regions in which they originated.
Proceeds from HDNJ’s Journey to Greece Through Dance will support this all-volunteer 501 (c) 3 nonprofit with general operating expenses. By purchasing a ticket audience members directly assist HDNJ in its mission of preserving Greek culture through presentations of the traditional folk dances of Greece.
This year, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Foodbank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties/Hurricane Sandy Relief, and Project Hope for Greece (a project of the Greek American Foundation). These charitable organizations generously serve the communities members of HDNJ live in, as well as the country of our roots. All donations are tax deductible. HDNJ is also eligible for most gift-matching programs so donations can count twice.
For over 40 years, the Hellenic Dancers of NJ has researched, presented and preserved over 300 folk dances, songs, and traditions from mainland Greece, its islands, Cyprus, and Asia Minor, and passed them on to two generations of Greek Americans. The troupe has been commended numerous times since its founding in 1972, for its dedication to its mission, as well as the enthusiasm and excitement of its performances. The dance troupe is currently comprised of first, second, third and fourth generation Greek Americans, ranging in age from 16 – 45, and represents the many Greek communities of New Jersey centered around Piscataway, Holmdel, Perth Amboy, Randolph, Toms River, Westfield, Tenafly, Paramus, and Clifton.
This outstanding troupe is nationally recognized for its presentation of Greek traditions and has performed at a number of local and national events including: Dukakis Presidential Rally, Inaugural Festivities for former President Ronald Reagan, Statue of Liberty Weekend Grand Finale, 20/20 ABC Television Program, Queens College of Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies Benefit, O. Elytis Chair of Modern Greek Studies at Rutgers University Benefit, Union County College Folk Arts Festival, the NJ State Ethnic and Diversity Festival, for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew upon his first official visit to New Jersey, and Greek Heritage Day with the Metrostars. Members of the troupe participated in the Closing Ceremonies of the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece and at the 2006 Centennial Epiphany celebrations in Tarpon Springs, FL.
For more information about the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey, please contact Arete Bouhlas, Publicity Coordinator, 732.236.2108; [email protected], or visit www.hellenicdancersofnj.org or www.facebook.com/Hellenicdancersofnj
photo credit: trendytravelista.com
