Sep 29, 2011 Massillon, OH, USA
They’re young, cute and excited about twirling their way into the hearts of a large, captive audience.
St. George’s Junior Dance Troupe — featuring children ages 4 to 13 — will perform five Greek dances, including the kalamatiano, traditionally performed at large gatherings, in its debut performance at the eighth annual St. George Greek Oktoberfest set for Oct. 6 through 9 at the St. George Cultural Center, 364 First St. SE.
The troop has been working hard to prepare for the Oktoberfest, which once again will feature a wide selection of mouth-watering Greek cuisine and pastries.
“It’s a bit challenging at times, because of the age span, but we’re making it work,” said Phaidra Sotiropoulos, troupe coordinator. “... I’m hoping to keep the enthusiasm going.”
The troupe is scheduled to offer 15-minute performances all four days of the festival — at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6, 7 p.m. Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 and noon Oct. 9.
Volunteers from St. George and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Canton designed the troupe’s costumes, according to Sotiropoulos.
“In the years to come, we hope to add onto them (costumes) and make more layers,” she said.
Admission, parking and entertainment are free at the festival. Last year, the event attracted 3,000 visitors, said church spokesman Stephen Huba.
“It seems like it’s becoming more of a signature event in Massillon. It’s more on people’s radar screens,” Huba said. “There’s been good traffic and growing attendance and participation. I think the biggest thing the church wants to do is have more outreach to the community and have participation from everyone.”
For the first time, free Greek dance lessons will be offered at 4:30 p.m. Saturday by Cleveland’s Annunciation Greek Orthodox dance troupe.
“They are always looking for ways to involve festivalgoers in the dancing itself,” Huba said.
Attendees also can learn how to make baklava at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Inside the cultural center, residents can patronize fine arts booths and other vendors, and participate in a silent auction for a variety of attractive theme baskets. The Aegean Duo, a two-man band from Rochester, N.Y., is returning as the featured entertainer at this year’s festival. The band is Steve Tavelaris on bouzouki, a plucked string instrument, and lead vocals and Nick Mouganis on bouzouki and other instruments. In addition, the Rev. Yanni Verginis, senior pastor, will lead tours of the church and discuss Orthodox Christian beliefs, worship and icons.
The festival is St. George’s largest fundraiser and supports the parish’s community outreach work, including a weekly food distribution that serves city residents in need, according to Huba.
St. George’s Junior Dance Troupe — featuring children ages 4 to 13 — will perform five Greek dances, including the kalamatiano, traditionally performed at large gatherings, in its debut performance at the eighth annual St. George Greek Oktoberfest set for Oct. 6 through 9 at the St. George Cultural Center, 364 First St. SE.
The troop has been working hard to prepare for the Oktoberfest, which once again will feature a wide selection of mouth-watering Greek cuisine and pastries.
“It’s a bit challenging at times, because of the age span, but we’re making it work,” said Phaidra Sotiropoulos, troupe coordinator. “... I’m hoping to keep the enthusiasm going.”
The troupe is scheduled to offer 15-minute performances all four days of the festival — at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6, 7 p.m. Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 and noon Oct. 9.
Volunteers from St. George and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Canton designed the troupe’s costumes, according to Sotiropoulos.
“In the years to come, we hope to add onto them (costumes) and make more layers,” she said.
Admission, parking and entertainment are free at the festival. Last year, the event attracted 3,000 visitors, said church spokesman Stephen Huba.
“It seems like it’s becoming more of a signature event in Massillon. It’s more on people’s radar screens,” Huba said. “There’s been good traffic and growing attendance and participation. I think the biggest thing the church wants to do is have more outreach to the community and have participation from everyone.”
For the first time, free Greek dance lessons will be offered at 4:30 p.m. Saturday by Cleveland’s Annunciation Greek Orthodox dance troupe.
“They are always looking for ways to involve festivalgoers in the dancing itself,” Huba said.
Attendees also can learn how to make baklava at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Inside the cultural center, residents can patronize fine arts booths and other vendors, and participate in a silent auction for a variety of attractive theme baskets. The Aegean Duo, a two-man band from Rochester, N.Y., is returning as the featured entertainer at this year’s festival. The band is Steve Tavelaris on bouzouki, a plucked string instrument, and lead vocals and Nick Mouganis on bouzouki and other instruments. In addition, the Rev. Yanni Verginis, senior pastor, will lead tours of the church and discuss Orthodox Christian beliefs, worship and icons.
The festival is St. George’s largest fundraiser and supports the parish’s community outreach work, including a weekly food distribution that serves city residents in need, according to Huba.
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