DANCE

Greece is one of the few countries in the world where folk dances are as alive today as they were in ancient times. Dance has always played an important role in the life of a Greek. It is an expression of human feelings and everyday life.

The Greeks dance at religious festivals, ceremonies; they dance to ensure fertility; to celebrate victories; they dance at weddings; to overcome depression and to cure physical illness. Almost every dance has a story to tell.

The glue that bonds our community has long been our Hellenic Culture. In addition, folk dancing has been a unifying part of that culture. In 1993, Presbytera Eleni Rogakos founded the Annunciation Dance Troop with the assistance of Director Toula Dermanis. They brought together our children ranging from 3 through 18 years of age. Since its inception, our young have dedicated themselves to perpetuating and sharing their rich cultural heritage with many Hampton Roads audiences.

The Dancers have researched and amassed a repertoire of over 30 dances, songs, and traditions from virtually every part of the Hellenic World. Aside from our Cathedral’s Greek Festival, our dancers have performed by a special invitation at the NATO Azalea Festival, regional folk dance competitions, various schools, and cultural, civic, and social events.