Greek Dance

Astoria, Queens surely is a place filled with diverse cultures from all parts of the world.  In particular, the Greek culture in Astoria is quite prominent, especially in the realm of Greek dance.  To many Greek Americans, Greek dance is looked at as a unifying factor for the Greek community. When Greek dance is taught to the youth and performed, it often gives a sense of hope to Greeks in Astoria.  It makes them feel like their heritage is being preserved and it also helps them feel like they are back home.  Therefore, Greek Dance plays a huge role in Greek culture in Astoria because it not only teaches the youth about their roots and heritage, but also gives first generation Greek immigrants hope and reassurance that their culture and customs will be kept alive for many generations to come.

A Brief History Of Greek Dance

Greek Folk Dancing has been around since the dawn of Greek civilization, and has been believed to be an expression of human emotions and everyday life.  Since Ancient Greek times until today, Greek dance has been used to entertain and show respect during religious festivals, ceremonies, and other celebrations and has also been used to reinstate hope during difficult times, like when a person is suffering from depression or physical illness.  Nevertheless, Greek folk dancing has survived till this day, and continues to give the Greeks a sense of national identity no matter where they go (Leonidou 1)²².  

There are many different styles and interpretations of Greek dance.  In fact, each region of Greece has its own choreography.  For example, the people from the islands in Greece typically dance with a more “watery flow” since they are closer to the water.  The Pontian Greeks, on the other hand, dance with a more sharp movement since they live closer to the Black Sea ( Alkis 117)²³.  Different regions of Greece also wear different costumes for dance.  Although many Greek folk costumes have their origins from the Byzantine Empire, and are made out of similar materials, we can identify where a costume comes from based on individual features such as the shape of a costume part, or their colors.   For example, a Metsovon costume is much more distinct from a Sarakatsana costume.  Nevertheless, the general parts of a Greek folk costume for a woman include a long chemise (the Pouamiso), a sleeveless vest (the Segouni), an apron (the Bodia), a sash (the Zonari), a scarf (Mandili), and shoes (the Tsarouhia).  For men, the general parts include a shirt (the Poukamiso), a vest (the yeleko), a skirt or kilt (the Foustanella), leg coverings (the Kaltes), leg garters (the Gonatares), a sash (the zonari), a hat (the fesi/koukos), and shoes (tsarouhia) (Pappayiorgas 1)²⁴.

Greek Dance in Astoria

In Astoria, Queens, there are many different places that teach and encourage Greek dance.  One of these places includes the Pancyprian Dance Division.  This group, which was created in 1976 by a group of young Cypriots, seeks to promote and preserve their rich culture and heritage by teaching others about traditional Cypriot and Greek folk dancing.   Since its inception in the late 1900s, this group has become a leader in the Greek American community and has performed in hundreds of cultural ceremonies and political events.  In the past, they have honored President Jimmy Carter at Hofstra University, have danced for the AHEPA’s Annual dinners and grand balls, and have also danced at the Greek Independence Day celebration in Astoria.  Besides entertaining, this group has also taught many generations about the importance of preserving the Greek Culture through dance and music, which has certainly helped them fulfill their goal (“Pancyprian Association Inc. Dance Division – About Us” 1)²⁵.

Along with the Pancyprian Dance Division in Astoria, there is also the Greek American Folkore Society, an organization that is also dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of Hellenic Folk Culture through music, dance, and more.  This group, which has been based in New York since 1983, embraces a wide variety of folk art traditions from all regions and islands of Greece.  However, in their dance and music schools, they primarily focus on Demotic folk songs and dances.  The American Folklore Society offers this style of dance instruction for all ages and all levels.  Many of the students that have become serious about this art form in the past have grown up to found their own Greek folklore groups, thus proving how much teaching Greek Dance can influence and help the community grow even more (“The Greek American Folklore Society – About Us” 1)²⁶.  The members of this Society have also taken part in hundreds of Greek festivals and have received high distinctions, awards and recognitions for their work (Chaini 1)²⁷.  Along with music and dance, this organization also arranges special workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and seminars so that Greeks can learn even more about their culture.

There are also places in Astoria where anyone can either watch or be a part of Greek dancing.  One of these significant places includes Athens Square.  This small park holds “Greek Nights” every Tuesday from 7:30pm to 9pm, where there is live Greek music that anyone can dance to (“Welcome To Athens Square Park Astoria!” 1)²⁸.  Along with this, there is also the Cavo restaurant, which turns into a nightclub at night.  Although this club plays more Modern Greek music, it is still a wonderful place for Greeks to get together to drink, eat, and dance to Greek music.

All in all, Astoria is such a rich area, filled with so much culture and art.  Greek culture is just one small part of what makes Astoria so interesting.  Nevertheless, Greek Folk Dancing surely does have a huge impact on the Greek community in Astoria because of  how much  it brings the people together and helps maintain the the strength of the Greek Heritage.

– Linda Collazo