Official Website of the Community Theatre Nefeli The Department of Cultural Affairs strives to promote the Community’s objectives, while focusing on the continuous mandate to promote Hellenic civilization and culture in Canada. Our programs are designed around the themes of music, dance, theater, choir, poetry, and literature. Traditional and Modern dance programs together with a vibrant choir, are open for children, teens and adults. All our programs are designed for beginner and advanced levels. The goal of every participant is to successfully audition for the advanced performing groups which represent our Community in Canada and abroad. Registration for these groups starts every September. If you are interested in joining any of our groups, simply call the GCT at 416-425-2485, or e-mail cultural@greekcommunity.org. The four main groups of our Cultural Department consist of: "Ellinakia" - The junior modern dance performers "Dionysos" - The Traditional dancers "Nefeli" - The Community Theatre "Orpheus" - The Sr. Adult Choir "Boules" Traditional Dance The number of students participating in these programs is large, and grows every year. These groups are supported by hundreds of volunteers work behind the scenes, promoting and assisting the initiatives of our Cultural Department. The GCT would like to thank all its participants and all the volunteers that assist in turning dreams into reality. DIONYSOS Traditional Hellenic dance has firmly established itself in Toronto. The GCT is very proud of establishing one of the first traditional dance groups in the city over 40 years ago. During that period, thousands of Hellenic youths have passed through these classes, creating a bond between each and every dancer. It is a history that goes beyond the physical walls of the Polymenakion Cultural Centre. It is a living history sustained in every individual who loves music, song and dance. The thirst of knowledge for Greek dance over the years has grown tremendously. Evidence of such, is simply seen by the formation of dozens of dance groups throughout the city over the years. The GCT is proud of its role in the development and knowledge of Greek dance in Toronto, and has managed to foster and maintain an ever growing number of young individuals who are active participants in all community initiatives, from simple instructors to community leaders. The formation of the first GCT dance groups laid the foundation for the development of future youth programs, and continues to be a magnet to the Community’s youth. In 1998, the dance groups were officially recognized as the GCT "Dionysos" Dance Group. During its history, "Dionysos" has been a proud representative of the GCT at numerous of events. In addition to the various local community appearances, "Dionysos" has also taken part in larger entertainment venues such as: Winnipeg’s Folkarama periodically Grey Cup Half time show held in Toronto Gala Banquet performance for Melina Mercouri Cleveland Hellenic Community Festival Buffalo Hellenic Festival Midland (Ontario) Festival Hamilton Festival Toronto Sky Dome Opening Ceremonies CHIN International Folk Dance Competition annually Ontario Hellenic Folkdance Competition Toronto’s International Caravan Pavilion annually Mississauga’s Carassauga Pavilion annually Brampton’s Carabram Pavillion at St. Barbara Hellenic Orthodox Church UNESCO International Folk Dance Presentation in Zacatecas, Mexico (1999) The 1999 March 25th Banquet for the Canadian Prime Minister, Hon. Jean Cretien The 2000 March 25th Banquet for the Mayor of Athens, the Hon. Mr. Costa Avramopoulos The 2000 May 31st Banquet for the President of the Hellenic Republic, the Hon. Costas Stephanopoulos The successful instruction and choreography for the main "Dionysos" groups over the years have included: Fethon Phany Capsis Gina Papagiannis Paul Makriyiannis Mary Coros John Psihogios Peter Capsis Aleka Hatzitasis John Zaikos Bill Zaikos Mary Zaikos (Kambourakis) Bill Papagiannis Gus Petsis Dogantzis Dora Tsokas (Zafiropoulos) In addition to the regularly scheduled practices, members of the GCT dance groups and instructors have attended Greek Folk Dance seminars with presentations from: Klironomia 2000 Ioannis Dimas (Traditional Dance Teacher - TEFAA Trikala, University of Thessaly) Dimitris Kantas (Teacher of Physical Education, Dance Instructor: Corfu, Eptanisa) Marianthi Kritsotaki (Dance Teacher - TEFAA Trikala) Vasilis Karfis (Teacher of Physical Education, Dance Instructor - TEFAA of the University of Athens) In 1997, the GCT hosted a private seminar for the GCT dance groups and instructors. Professor Ioannis Dimas was the invited guest instructor at this event. Traditional dance programs are currently offered for all ages at various times throughout the week. Classes take place at the Alexander's Athletics Centre, the Polymenakion Cultural Centre, St. Irene Church hall and at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary church hall. Registration for these programs take place throughout the month of September at the above locations. For details regarding registration and practice schedules, you may call the Community at 416-425-2485, or e-mail us at cultural@greekcommunity.org.