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Department of Cultural Affairs
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PRESS RELEASE
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 The Department of Cultural Affairs strives to promote the Communitys 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.
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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) |
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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) |
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This will be a night to remember to reflect and to recognize - 100 years of where we came from where we came to and all the history that is unique to our Community! |
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 21 December 2008 )
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The Community Theatre Nefeli Presents the Musical "The Suitcases"
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 30 December 2008 )
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IF YOU ARE 14 YEARS OF AGE AND OVER AND WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE TRADITIONAL DANCE GROUP "DIONYSSOS" JOIN US ON TUESDAYS BETWEEN 7:30-9:00 P.M.
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The Cultural Department develops and promotes traditional and modern Greek dancing, theatre productions, dance theatre performances and folklore studies designed specifically for Greek youth. Children are encouraged to take pride in their heritage and express and maintain their Hellenic culture through music, dance, theatre, poetry and literature.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 September 2008 )
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