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The Greek Dancers of Minnesota is a
performing Greek folk dance troupe that strives to promote Greek culture
and history through dance performances. The group came together in July
1996 under the direction of Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari, an accomplished
dance instructor who has been teaching Greek dancing for over 30 years.
The group uses authentic Greek costumes from different regions of Greece
and Cyprus in performing powerful and energetic performances of
traditional dances of courtship and showmanship. The group is composed of
men and women of all age groups.
The group performs throughout the year at a
variety of functions, including church festivals, fundraisers, holiday
events, weddings, retirement parties and school educational exhibitions.
Performances may take the group throughout Minnesota and into Wisconsin
and Iowa. A typical performance is 10-15 minutes in length with a set of
2 - 6 different dances within a performance. Support of the fundraising
festivals of the Greek Orthodox churches (in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth
and Rochester in Minnesota) typically involves the dancers in 2-3 days of
performance, three to eight 10-15 minute performances each day.
Performance at Greek holiday celebrations and the annual Festival of
Nations exhibition may involve custom-designed programs.
Membership in the group is open to all
those who have an interest in learning about the Greek culture and wish to
dance. Practices are held on most Sunday evenings at
one of the Twin Cities Greek Orthodox churches: either St. George Greek
Orthodox Church (1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105), or St. Mary's
Greek Orthodox Church (Irving Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, east side of
Lake Calhoun). See the calendar for the date and location of practices and
events. For information about booking the group or questions about
participating, see the appropriate website page.
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