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Sunday night, the Hellenic Dance Festival (HDF) presented accolades to the top dance groups, customers, and directors from the weekend’s festivities at a highly-anticipated award ceremony.
The national dance competition, drawing 3,000 participants from over 17 states and around the world, saw dance groups of young and old take the stage to perform routines that originate anywhere from mainland Greece to the reaches of the Aegean Sea. This year’s theme, ιστορίες—meaning stories or histories—celebrated a quarter-century of HDF competitions.
“Driving miles, sewing costumes, having tears, having joys, having struggles, having the triumphs that which we have had,” Fr. Sampson Kasapakis, Executive Director of HDF, said. “Months—years, even—of dedication—all of this is a part of the story too.”
The award ceremony largely recognized the vision of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios formerly of Atlanta, who was a founder of the Metropolis of Atlanta’s first dance festival. Over the past two decades, the event has grown from a few parishes to a significant cultural observance honoring Greek culture and faith.
“Most of our dances are collective,” His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta stated. “Bringing everybody together in a circle, the infinite circle of love, and that’s what we have experienced in this and every festival we have had, the love of togetherness, the love of community, the proclaiming of our heritage and of our faith.”
At the award ceremony, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announced the establishment of a new national ministry at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The National Greek Folk Dance and Cultural Ministry, approved by the Holy Eparchial Synod in October, was inspired by the already-existing folk dancing festivals. It was created with the aim of promoting and preserving Hellenic cultures and traditions throughout all the metropolises of the United States.
“It is one of the great experiences of life to tell stories,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. “You create new stories through your interactions and fellowship. The past few days … have extended the wonderful story of this important cultural event.”
The award ceremony also recognized the competitors hailing from outside the Metropolis of Atlanta. These included parishes from California, Washington, Texas, New York, and Maryland.
Bronze, silver, gold, and platinum awards were handed out for dance groups at every age level, while additional awards appraised costume design and choral performances.
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