Greek Folk Dance workshop - Santorini, Greece
Cultural seminars HCC Santorini – GREEK FOLK DANCE WORKSHOP
“When Dancing, the Body writes down on the Earth what your Soul wants to say”
Greek Folk Dance workshop - Santorini, Greece
a 6-day workshop
Be part of “communitas”, a sense of community constructed through folk dance!
WHAT
Dance in Greece is an everyday lived experience during community events. Most celebrations often include dancing together with eating and drinking and also singing. We are a group of dancers who want to have fun together by dancing our favourite dances and by learning more folk Greek dances from Crete, Macedonia, Aegean islands, Pontos, Thrace, Cappadocia and elsewhere. We will also sing songs and learn their stories. We will meet local people and celebrate with them on a magical island, where culture’s authenticity meets nature’s marvelous secrets.
A non – formal education workshop on Greek Folk Dances intended for
· Travellers who want to explore in-depth the place they visit through meeting local people,
· Beginners and intermediate amateur dancers,
· Members and staff of dance associations in Greece and abroad
· Teachers - educators who want to use Dance as a means for their students to explore a culture
What is the series of Greek Folk Dance workshops by the HCC?
The course ““When Dancing the Body writes down on the Earth what your Soul wants to say” is a part of a series of Greek Folk Dance courses for people who want to be introduced to the art of Greek Dance as a means to explore the notion of collectivity, by professional dance teachers in the marvellous Santorini island, which is the most beautiful island of the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world.
This is the first of a series of Greek Folk Dance courses, which include thematic workshops based on the dance origin, to be held every year in Santorini, Greece, during spring and/ or autumn.
The concept
During this six-day retreat in the spectacular environs of Santorini, you will have the opportunity to explore the possibilities that Greek Folk Dance offers in order to enjoy the Greek way of life, which is full of living traditions, feasts, and songs. In addition, you will taste the beauty of the landscape, the vibrant culture of the volcanic villages, and the gastronomy of this magical island, which is one of the most delicious in Greece.
Group field trips and free time allow you to explore Santorini in order to discover the unique island’s culture and landscapes, to meet the friendly residents of its villages outside the “high touristic” season, to visit local farms with fava, herbs, vines and cherry tomatoes (all unique products of Santorini), as well as photo / painting exhibitions, a winery, the Archaeological Museum and the oldest archaeological settlement in the Mediterranean Sea, Akrotiri.
Aim of the course
Ø Understanding the Dance Culture in Greece
Ø Learn the essential secrets of a dancer of Greek Folk Dances in a short time
Ø Experience the culture of a unique place through a more personal way
Ø Find a more in-depth connection with the human and natural environment
HOW
Methodology
The course’s focus is not merely on the technical aspect of dancing but also on your cultural knowledge gained through your possible acquaintance with different dancing styles. The everyday programme commences with two classroom sessions followed by visits in the field at some of the island’s most stunning locations, where we are going to learn about Greek culture and the contemporary challenges in Greece.
You will attend every day a short introduction by the trainers. You will be offered guidance and personal support. The sessions will be video recorded so that you will take with you back home at no extra charge. You will be involved in different cultural activities such as singing the lyrics of the songs we dance, preparing food to eat while dancing, participating in a local fest.
Content
During the course, you will:
Ø Create a safe environment in the group of dancers through the group - dynamics activities
Ø Learn dances coming from Macedonia, Ionian islands, Aegean islands (Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, North Aegean, Sporades ), Sterea Ellada, Epirus, Peloponnese, Cappadocia, and Asia Minor :
Ø Be introduced in different dance styles around Greece through a powerpoint presentation and discussions
Ø Learn techniques on how to dance Greek Folk dances
Ø Be introduced to the Greek culture and everyday life
Equipment: you need to bring with you light clothes and a hat for the sun.
Working languages: English, Greek
WHEN
Dates: upon request
Time schedule: The programme includes 40 hours over 6 days. Courses and cultural visits and activities will take place in the morning and in the afternoon (usually 09.30- 13.30 and 17.00-20.00). In case the weather does not permit dancing and working outdoor, we will work indoor.
For detailed programme please check here
WHAT MORE?
Cultural activities included:
- presentation on Santorini’ s history and culture
- visit the Tsambouna Instruments Museum Symposion by La Ponta
- visit a local Dance Association
- visit the Akrotiri prehistoric settlement and
- the Archeological Museum of Fira with the frescos of Akrotiri
- visit a local winery for a wine tasting session.
- excursion to the picturesque village of Oia is also included.
Minimum number of participants: 10. Please contact us for smaller groups of people.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Fees: 420 euro, which includes the course fee for 40 hours of activities, all materials for the course needed, museum tickets, transfer on the island, excursion to Oia, preparation of participants, follow-up activities, Certificates of attendance, visit to a winery and wine tasting, visit to a local Dance Association, two archeological sites, and to a local farm.
WHERE DO I STAY?
Accommodation, food and other expenses
Accommodation and food are not included in the price. However, should participants want, the course leader can organize half board or full board and accommodation (in single or double rooms) at the prices below:
Accommodation (6 nights, in double room) and breakfast is organized in Megalochori or in Perissa, and lunch- dinner will be held in different taverns of the village. The price of accommodation and food is 630 euros for 6 nights. Transfer from and to the airport can be arranged. In case you prefer a single room, it can be arranged at a small extra cost.
HOW DO I GO THERE?
You can reach Santorini (Thira) by boat from Piraeus (ticket: 40-56 euro) or by plane from Athens (check Ryanair, Aegean, Olympic, Volotea, Ellinair and other companies) or through direct flights from many European cities.
WHO?
The organizer is the Hellenic Culture Centre www.hcc.edu.gr a leading institution specialized in organizing language and cultural programmes for non-native speakers and educational programmes for adults since 1995. Our philosophy is making learning fun through group dynamics activities, well based on our experience methodology, and outdoor education. Mrs. Ifigenia Georgiadou is the person responsible for cultural programmes. She is working for over 30 years on educational and cultural projects at the HCC and other institutions.
The trainers are local dance teachers and researchers.
PREPARATION & FOLLOW-UP?
Preparation
Before the course, you will receive information for the course group (trainers, organizers and organizing institution, other participants). Organizers will be responsible for sending all the necessary information regarding the venue and the trip. All the above will be communicated via e-mail and DropBox. You will be asked to describe your expectations from the course and your possible experience, if any, on Greek dances.
Follow-up
Upon completion of the course, participants will be encouraged to form a network on a Social Media closed group, which will function as a meeting point. Within this network, they will be able to exchange ideas to receive comments from the trainer and their colleagues and propose different ways and ideas to move further in organizing more dance workshops. In case you are a teacher, your students are welcome to participate.
CAN MY FRIENDS JOIN ME?
Your friends can join you in this learning experience at the cost of accommodation and food, plus a small extra cost for transfer and tickets. In case you are a teacher, your students are welcome to participate too, as guests/visitors.
