IN THE BEGINNING...

The First Steps

     Greek dancing, as an individual expression, became a part of the Ottawa scene with the arrival of the first Greek families at the turn of the century.  Most likely, the first Greek dances were witnessed as individual efforts on the occasion of weddings, baptisms, birthdays, name days, and Greek Independence Day celebrations. As a somewhat organized effort, members of the GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth Association) not only danced for their enjoyment, but performed for the 25 th of March celebrations, and represented the Hellenic Community at various municipal, provincial, and national festivities.

     The first nucleus of dancers was established in 1963 by new comers Litsa Hatzis, Elefterios Pantieras, Angela Sioris, Sotirios Sotiropoulos, and George Zouzoulas.  The performances of this informal, self-taught group were well received and motivated more young people to learn Greek dances. The costumes they wore were provided by the Hellenic Community.  As the years went by, the dancers would get together approximately a month before the Independence Day celebrations to prepare for their performance.  They were guided by the Greek-school teachers, or other Community members versed in folk dancing.

    From 1974 to 1977, twelve members of GOYA branched off and formed a new dance group. Taught by George Pothitos, the group’s repertoire was small, but its enthusiasm and dedication was great. In 1977, Helen Tryphonas was invited to organize the dancers and prepare them to compete for an appearance at the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta. Although they were not selected, the group had increased its repertoire, integrated choreography, and showed potential for further improvement.

Source: The Hellenes of Ottawa – The First 100 Years, page 155-156.

The Parnassos Hellenic Dancing Group

   
     In the fall of 1977, Helen Tryphonas recruited a number of young girls form the Hellenic School and started the Parnassos Hellenic Dancing Group (PHD).  Practices were held regularly on Saturdays prior to language classes. In a short time the number of children willing to learn dancing increased enormously which brought a need for a larger practice area.

    At the offset of the new school year, students took a 30 minute dance class and were taught various dances (Kalamatiano, Tsamiko, Hasaposerviko, Kerkyraiko, Pentozali, Sousta, Karagouna, Balos).  While the students were learning, their mothers (under the guidance of Eleni Gournakis) produced regional costumes. A similar activity was undertaken by the dancers themselves as they made their own costumes for the Karyatides dance. Tasia Koutras assisted with this endeavour.

    Beginning in the fall of 1979, after most members had finished language school, a full half day every Saturday morning was devoted to lessons. Assisted by Maria and Vasilios Kraniotis, the group worked diligently. It was both a deserving and gratifying first appearance at the Parnassos Dinner Dance that same year. The group then appeared at the first ever Homelands Festival and during the Canada Day celebrations.

    In 1980 and 1982, the group participated in the “Children’s Night” at the Ottawa Technical High School, as well as performing in the city of Brockville during their 150 th anniversary celebration.

Source: The Hellenes of Ottawa – The First 100 Years, page 155-156.

The Hellenic Community Dancing Group

     In 1979, the Hellenic Community of Ottawa enlisted the volunteer services of Mrs. Dia Christoyiannis to teach Greek folk dances. Mrs. Litsa Pantieras was appointed as Coordinator, later succeeded by Mr. Nick Hatzitheodosiou with Mr. Athanasios Zervas as the Liaison Officer. In its first year, the group grew to approximately thirty dancers between the 10 and 18 years of age. With the combined efforts of all individuals, the group made its first appearance at the 25th of March Independence Day celebrations.

    In 1980, Mr. Vasilios Angelopoulos, a dancer from Montreal with many years experience, collaborated with Ms. Christoyiannis to teach the group. A major effort to enlist new dancers had begun and by 1985, enrolment had increased to over 120 individuals - six groups in all, arranged by age and level of competence. Although the senior class was the main performing group, every opportunity was given to junior classes to make appearances.

The newly formed "Hellenic Community Dancers" was consistently invited to perform before a wide variety of audiences. Events at which this group performed included: Greek and Canadian National Ceremonies, multicultural activities, charitable events and at the Greek Summer Festival. A major achievement of this group, and the dance school, was a two-hour performance on April 22, 1985 entitled “Dance, Song, Tradition” at the former Ottawa Technical High School. This also marked the departure of Mr. Angelopoulos as he relocated to Montreal.

    From 1985-1992, the Dance School continued to grow and was now being coordinated by Mrs. Cathy Rovithi-Dimitriou. Ms. Christoyiannis remained involved with the school as a part-time teacher for the main performing group. Guest instructors were brought in on occasion to administer dance workshops. Locally, a handful of senior dancers progressed to the level of instructors - most of which were the children of the initial dance committee of the early years. These individuals included: Mr. Antonio Pantieras, Mr. George Missios, Ms. Yvonne Hatzitheodosiou, Ms. Eleni Livadiotis,.

Ms. Dora Samiotis, a former member of La Troupe Syrtaki in Montreal, was hired in 1993 to teach the groups in the dance school and to bring new choreography to the Performing Group. Her attention to detail was well displayed by the dancers as they performed with high precision and professionalism.

Source: The Hellenes of Ottawa – The First 100 Years, page 155-156.

The School of Traditional Greek Dance and the Odyssey Dance Troupe

     In 1996, Mr. Vasilios Sioulas, a former member of Koryfei (Montreal), was hired and new vision was brought to the school. The Hellenic Dance School continued to grow while the Performing Group increased their repertoire and obtained a multitude of new regional costumes. The group had taken on a new direction. Performances were now more than a display of dances - they became short narratives. The group adopted the name "Odyssey Dance Troupe - Hellenic Community of Ottawa" to mark this new stage in the evolution of Hellenic dance in Ottawa. A council was formed to manage the ever-increasing responsibilities of the group. The council consisted of: Mr. Dino Georgopoulos, Ms. Effie Kyriakatos, Mr. George Papadopoulos and Mr. Christos Pantieras. With the Dance School, Ms. Ria Demos was hired to aid with the instruction.

    As the years progressed, enrollment at the school increased. Several additional senior dancers were hired to teach (Vasso Kamoulakos, Maria K Karadakis, Vaia Dimas, Sarah Becket, Manos Kardaras, Kosta Bozionelos, Stavro Kamoulakos, Fotini Bozionelos, Gloria Hatzitheodossiou, Theodora Koulouris  & Christina Pagiatakis).  Mr. Panteleakos acted as the Community Liaison Officer.  The teachers were extremely fortunate to learn under the direction of Mr. Ioannis Kritselas – a well established teacher from Greece.

Currently, the School of Traditional Greek Dance is under the Direction of Ms. Vaia Dimas (formerly  Mr. Diamantis Hatzitheodosiou). The Odyssey Dance Troupe is directed by Mr. Christos Pantieras. The Community Liaison is currently Mr. George Bizoglou.

Source: The Hellenes of Ottawa – The First 100 Years, page 155-156.