Dance in December

The Kamaria Dancers have been diligently working on extending the basic Greek dances, like “sta tria, and syrto” and applying them to the more challenging dances from the regions of Thrace, Florina and the island of Crete. 

Over the years, the Kamaria Dancers have prided themselves in performing suites of dances from areas in Greece that otherwise would go unseen. They have earned a well deserved reputation of excellence. I pray this is achievable by the 2014 Festival; however, I honestly question if it will happen. Attendance and commitment are very low.  Based on these challenges, for first time in over 25 years of teaching Greek dance, we may have to consider changing the format and lowering our standard of performance at the Festival.

Although we are enjoying a wonderful space where we can focus and dedicate undisturbed time to practicing, the lack of consistent attendance makes it almost impossible to move forward. I am teaching and re-teaching the same dances over and over again, trying to catch up those who missed, and then having to review instead of progress.

Senior Palazakia is currently working on two suites of dances.  The first is a mixed suite of dances from the region of Northern Greece, including Syrtos, Serres, Sfarlis, Bana, Baiduska, Thrace, Zonaradiko, Thrace, and Ksesyrtos, Thrace.  The second suite of dances are from Kefalonia. 

Palazakia is working on ten different dances that represent five different regions throughout Greece.  Some of the dances include Pendozali, Syrto, Esios, Zorba and Hassapiko.

The Junior Palazakia are practicing the Kalamatiano and Sta Tria. We are looking to teach them the Hassaposerviko and the Tsamikos. Our dancers are a wonderful group of young learners who are learning coordination and structure and to follow along as they learn different dances within our wonderful culture.