ΣΥΡΤΑΚΙ

FACT SHEET

Members of the Greek Students’ Association of Sir George Williams University, located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, originally founded La Troupe Folklorique Grecque, in 1973. Under the direction of Theodore Serganis, the dance troupe appeared in numerous folklore festivals throughout North America. In addition, three successful performances were staged at Place des Arts Theatre in 1973, 1975 and 1979.

In 1981, La Troupe Folklorique Grecque was incorporated under the name La Troupe Folklorique Grecque “Syrtaki” as a non-profit organization complete with a charter and a constitution by three of its original members, Laki K. Kourakis, Michael S. Alexandrou and Steve D. Perkizas.

The objectives of the dance troupe have not changed greatly since its inception in 1973. Through performances, dances, benefits, conferences and other outings, the dance troupe ensures that traditional Greek folk dance and music are not only preserved but also promulgated throughout the various cultural communities of North America.

In March of 1985, La Troupe Folklorique Grecque Syrtaki appeared at Place des Arts, a show whose tremendous success beckoned a repeat performance in June of the same year. In May of 2002, under the direction of Dimitrios Tzotzis, La Troupe Folklorique Grecque Syrtaki, re-appeared at Place des Arts staging another successful performance. To this day, the dance troupe continues to perform at festivals, fundraisers as well as numerous multicultural events, promoting its Greek heritage.

La Troupe Folklorique Grecque Syrtaki organizes seminars and exchanges with several renowned Greek dancing groups including, Estia Pieridon Mousson from Katerini, Macedonia 1988, Oi Adouloti from Cyprus 1989, Pyrsos form Naousa, Macedonia 1992 and Lykeion Ton Ellinidon Halkidas, from Evia 1999.

The dance troupe has attended various dance conferences including the Winter Dance Conference in Tarpon Springs, Florida 1986 and 1987, the Winter Dance Conference in Astoria, New York 1992, 1993, 1995 and 2004 as well as the Canadian Expressive Heritage Conference in Quebec 1995 –1999. In 1993-’94, 1997-‘98 and more recently in 2003, La Troupe Folklorique Grecque Syrtaki organized its North American Dance Conference in Montreal, which were attended by a number of dance troupes from across Canada and the United States.

La Troupe Folklorique Grecque Syrtaki, as previously mentioned, is a non-profit organization with no formal sponsorship. All funding is obtained from memberships and performances and is reinvested into costumes, props, as well as geared towards the continuing development, promotion and retention of our Greek heritage. Neither instructors nor dancers receive any remuneration.