Students/Seniors save $5 by reserving tickets by April 6th!
Holmdel, NJ – The nationally famous Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey (HDNJ) present “Journey Through the Aegean” for its 47th Anniversary Performance, Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Holmdel High School, 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ. Beginning at 3 pm, attendees will enjoy a 2-part performance and fashion show by the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey highlighting the traditional folk dances of the Aegean Islands; refreshments will be available for purchase during intermission. All proceeds from the event will support HDNJ in its mission of preserving Greek folk-dance customs, and perpetuating Greek heritage in America. Funding from the event will also support the dance troupe’s 2019 touring schedule. Tickets are $25. Students and Seniors can save $5 by reserving their tickets by April 6th. All tickets are $25 at the door; children 6 and under are free. Reservations for this event can be made by contacting Joyce Coccaro: 732.742.0543/info@
“Journey to the Aegean” will highlight dances from the Aegean Islands. With dances like the fast paced partner dance of Rousikos from Naxos, and the elegant candle dance Foties from Mytilini, we are excited to showcase the incredible variety of styles that originate from this beautiful region of Greece,” said HDNJ Artistic Director Spiro Petroutsos. “The central focus of the HDNJ has always been, and continues to be, perpetuating our Greek heritage through dance and performance. We are excited to continue working toward this goal with “Journey to the Aegean”. With the incredible hard work of our dancers and instructional staff, we are proud to bring our audience a plethora of brand new dances, along with many of the HDNJ staples that our long time supporters have come to know and love us for.”
Several “new” traditional Greek folk dances will debut on the HDNJ stage during, “Journey to the Aegean,” including: Kehayiadikos and T
Proceeds from HDNJ’s Annual Taverna Night will support this all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit with general operating expenses and help to fund the 2019 Touring Schedule. By purchasing a ticket, or an ad in the electronic journal, audience members directly assist HDNJ in its mission of preserving Greek culture through presentations of the traditional folk dances of Greece.
Founded in 1972, by Fr. Jim and Eleni Chakalos, the Hellenic Dancers of NJ has researched, presented and preserved over 350 folk dances, songs, and traditions from mainland Greece, its islands, Cyprus, and Asia Minor, and passed them on to three generations of Greek Americans. The troupe has been commended numerous times throughout its 47-year history, 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 representing the many Greek communities of New Jersey.
This outstanding troupe is nationally recognized for its presentation of Greek traditions and has performed at a number of local and national events during its 46-year history, 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.
