Culture

Adult Greek Dance Group Keep On Dancing
Adult fun Greek dance lessons for ages 14 and older is a four-week class designed for everyone. Classes are fun, dynamic, at times challenging, very rewarding, and a great social opportunity.

Dates & Times:  Thursdays - March 5, 12, 19 & 26,  from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Where: 4 Ventana Ridge Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA  92656 (First gate east of Aliso Creek Road on Eastwing:  Since our address is new, we are not on Mapquest. Please beware: There is a 4 Ventana in Aliso Viejo-that is not us. We are on Ventana Ridge Drive.

What: A fun four week course for beginners teaching eight (8) of the most popular dances.  When the classes are over, you will know more dances than the average Greek!!!

Ages: Fourteen (14) ears of age and older.  Bring your family and friends.

You Will Learn:  Syrto, Tsamiko, Hassapo Serviko, Hassapiko, Pentozali, Fast Hassapiko, Karsilamas and Kritiko Syrto.

Tuition: $100 for 4 weeks  (Early bird registration $90 before March 3, 2009)

Instructor: John Basdakis

For More Information, contact John Basdakis at (714) 813-2158 or via email at john@msn4loans.com

Our Parish's own John and Irene Basdakis and the adult Greek dancers appeared on OC TV! Click on the image below to watch the segment  on YouTube.

Greek Dance School Information
OPA! Dance regularly meets Sundays after church (Noon – 1:30PM) at J. Serra Catholic H.S. Anyone interested should contact Chrys Cutrone at 949-295-1256 or via email at  chryscutrone@yahoo.com

We are a proud start-up Mission Church and hope you enjoy the benefits of the program. In order to provide these programs we request that you are a member in good standing with the Greek Orthodox Mission or a local Orthodox Church.

Our two Dance Groups “Methorios” which is comprised of our older dancers, and “Helidonia” a group made up of our younger dancers had a very successful weekend recently at the FDF Competition in Ontario, CA.            

The Troup Members of “Methorios” and their director Vicky Hioureas worked very hard to bring the rich traditional dances of the village Asvestades to the competitive arena. Two individuals from the village were brought over who provided instrumental and vocal accompaniment. It was heartwarming to see them interact with our children wrapping their headpieces and singing and coaching them. We were honored to say the least. As a result of the dance group’s effort, “Methorios” was awarded the “FDF Board of Trustees Special Achievement Award.” This is the second time in two years that we have been awarded this special honor!

The Dance Group “Helidonia” did very well for their first year in competition. They performed dances from the region of Thrace. The younger Primary Division was very competitive this year and our dancers hung in
there with great enthusiasm and skill.

In addition to this, Vicky Hioureas, the Director of the older group, won the instrumental award for her skill in playing of a drum for other dance groups.

Both groups wore their first set of costumes which were not rented but owned by the Dance Groups. Parents and children alike had a wonderful time together experiencing the camaraderie and cultural heritage of the festival.

For more information visit the dance groups' official website at www.greekdanceoc.org/.
Be sure to also visit them on facebook by clicking here.