THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 4, 1995 TAG: 9505020092
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
For the last 17 years, John Lulias has combed the mountainous countryside and tiny island villages of Greece, searching for festivals, parties and family celebrations.
But Lulias is no ugly American looking for a brawling good time. This Floridian of Greek ancestry is on a quest to document the way his Mediterranean ancestors danced.
As the director of the nationally known dance troupe Levendia, based in Tarpon Springs, Fla., Lulias has for years been bringing his research back home to teach these centuries-old steps and movements to his 40 dancers. The group, usually in teams of 10, travels throughout the United States performing these traditional dances, songs and folk tales in native costumes at festivals and other cultural events.
Today through Sunday, the group will perform in Norfolk during the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church's annual Greek Festival. For years, Levendia has been a popular attraction at the Norfolk celebration.
``We really enjoy coming to Norfolk because everyone interacts with us,'' Lulias said.
The director believes Americans, especially those of Greek ancestry, are fascinated by these dances and costumes. Unfortunately, Lulias said, these folk traditions are in danger of being lost forever. To keep that from happening, Lulias has made it his mission to perpetuate them.
``There's such a variety of influences of other cultures on Greek culture, and these cultures have left such a mark on the dances,'' Lulias said. ``Each island and village had its own type of music and its own style of dancing; there are hundreds of them. I wanted to make sure they're not lost.''
In addition to performing throughout the United States, Lulias and his dancers, who are mostly in their 20s, also have traveled to Greece three times to conduct workshops and gather more research.
``It's hard work for these dancers, but the kids really enjoy it,'' Lulias explained. ``All the dancers are of Greek ancestry, so they get a chance to learn about their heritage and, then, pass it on.''
Better still, they do it at a party. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
The nationally known dance troupe Levendia, based in Tarpon Springs,
Fla., will perform at the Greek Festival.
Graphic
ABOUT THE GREEK FESTIVAL
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church's annual four-day
celebration is today through Sunday on the church grounds at 7220
Granby St.
As in years past, traditional Greek food and music will highlight
the festival. Outdoor vendors will sell everything from shish kebab
to baklava - all homemade by the women of the church. Food will be
available to take out or eat at tables under outdoor tents.
Among the food available this year will be Greek salad, fried
calamari, souvlaki, moussaka, chicken lathorigano, spanakopita,
pastitsio and such Greek pastries as galatoboureko and loukomades.
A grilled lamb feast will be offered for the first time this year
on Friday and Saturday, from noon to 9 p.m. Cost is $8.95.
All day Thursday, senior citizens will receive a 10 percent
discount on selections at the food line.
For those eager to learn to prepare their own Greek delicacies,
some of the church's women will hold cooking classes during the
festival. About an hour long each, the classes will explore the
preparation of many of the foods served at the festival. Sessions
are held at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday in the church
kitchen.
Throughout the weekend, artwork, gold and fine jewelry will be on
display. In addition to performances by the nationally known
Levendia dance troupe, the Greek band Pegasus, the Annunciation
Dancers, the Pan Cretans ``Sfakia'' and Hellenic Youth Dancers of
Newport News also will provide entertainment.
Hours of the festival are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, 11 a.m.
to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is free.
by CNB