NEW YORK – GNUSA
The Federation of Hellenic Societies Parade Committee, in partnership with the Greek American Folklore Society (GAFS), announced the first annual ‘Vimata Eleftherias – Steps of Freedom’ Hellenic Dance Weekend, a new cultural event dedicated to celebrating the rich traditions, history, and living art of Greek dance.
Taking place March 20-22 at Stathakion Cultural Center with a final exhibition at Athens Square Park, emblematic Greek venues in Astoria, Queens, Hellenic Dance Weekend will bring together dancers, instructors, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts from across the region for a weekend of workshops, performances, and community connection. The event aims to honor the diversity of Hellenic dance traditions while fostering education, collaboration, and cultural pride among participants of all ages.
“This partnership reflects more than collaboration — it reflects responsibility,” said Louis Katsos, Chairman of the Federation of Hellenic Societies Parade Committee, as we commemorate the 205th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution and the 250th Anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. This event honors the shared ideals of liberty and that freedom is not only defended on battlefields — it is preserved in language, music, faith, dance, and reaffirms the enduring contribution of Hellenism to the American story.”
The weekend will feature instructional workshops led by renowned dance instructor and vocalist Kostas Mitsis who will focus on curating a suite of songs and representative dances from the region of Epirus, Greece. Beyond the dance steps, the workshop will highlight the historical and cultural context behind the dances.
“The Greek American Folklore Society is honored to collaborate with the Federation of Hellenic Societies on this event,” said Vaia Allagiani, Artistic Director of the Greek American Folklore Society. “We are very lucky to have our friend Kostas Mitsis join us from Greece and help us create an unforgettable weekend.”
Hellenic Dance Weekend is open to dance groups, individual dancers, students, and anyone with an interest in Greek culture. Registration is now open with discounts available for students and those who register by February 19.
For more information and to register, please visit: Hellenic Dance Weekend — The Greek American Folklore Society
About the Greek American Folklore Society
The Greek American Folklore Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to the research, preservation, and teaching of Greek folklore, with a special focus on traditional dance, music, and customs.
About Kostas Mitsis
Kostas Mitsis has devoted his career to the rich musical and dance traditions of Greece. He is involved for 36 years in the traditional realm as a folk dancer as well as a dance instructor, presenting his work on Greek music and dancing traditions in seminars and symposiums in 26 countries around the world. Kostas has been active in traditional singing since 2002 and covers a wide repertoire from all over Greece. He has worked and continues to collaborate with some of the most renowned folk musicians of Greece.
