The Terpsichorean Dance Group is our community dance group. The goal of our dance group is to teach and preserve our Greek culture and heritage through dance, music and song both to members of our community as well as the community at large. Our goal is fulfilled by educating our members and audiences through our dance performances and through workshops. We feel it is important to keep the history and culture of our homeland alive and what better way than through dance.
The name of the group is derived from “Terpsichore”, the Greek Muse and goddess of dance and chorus. The dance group was established in the 1960’s by Mr. Emmanuel Vichos who directed the group for many years. Under the directorship of many wonderful directors and instructors through the years, the group has continued to perform together until the present time.
The group is currently under the directorship of Alexandra Spanos who is also the instructor of our Senior group. We currently have over 60 dancers ranging in age from 4 to 25 years of age and divided into 4 groups (Pitsirikia, Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors). We currently have 3 additional instructors, Lucas Koukouvaos, Maria Koloneos and Elena Athanasopoulos who teach the Pitsirikia, Junior and Intermediate groups.
As we all know, the Greek culture is very rich in heritage, music, dance and costumes.
Dance has always played an important role in Greek life. Dance is an expression of feelings, struggles and everyday life. Throughout history Greeks danced to prepare for war, to celebrate victories, at religious festivals, ceremonies, weddings, etc. Every dance has a story. We enjoy telling each story and expressing our love for our beautiful culture, dance, music and costumes.
The dances that our groups perform are deep rooted in the traditions and customs of the various regions of Greece. Our groups perform dances from many regions of Greece — Thraki, Makedonia, Ipiros, Thessalia, Peloponessos, Crete, Ikaria, Kefalonia as well as dances from other Aegean Islands, Ionian islands and mainland Greece.