Athenian Dance Troupe

Greek folk dance & Hellenic heritage

The Nativity’s Athenian Dance Troupe brings members of our parish together through traditional Greek folk dance, Orthodox Christian fellowship, and the celebration and preservation of Hellenic heritage and culture.

Greek folk dance has a longstanding place in the cultural life of Greek Orthodox communities. Through dance, music, traditional dress and fellowship, dancers have opportunities to learn the traditions of Greece while building friendships within the parish.

Faith, fellowship & Hellenic heritage

The dance programme seeks to bring youth and adults together in Orthodox Christian fellowship, while developing an appreciation for Greek heritage and culture. Through it, dancers have opportunities to:

• learn and preserve traditional Greek folk dances;
• experience Greek music, costumes and regional traditions;
• build friendships and fellowship within the parish;
• develop responsibility, teamwork, confidence and leadership; and
• share Hellenic heritage with the wider community through performances.

The troupe is part of the life of the parish, and encourages its dancers to stay connected not only to Hellenic culture but to the worship and community life of the church.

Performances & festivals

The Athenian Dance Troupe represents the Nativity at parish and community events, including our annual Greek Festival.

Greek Orthodox folk dance programmes also bring dancers from different parishes together, to celebrate a shared Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage through dance, music and traditional culture.

The Nativity has taken part in the Hellenic Folk Dance Festival of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey, joining dancers from parishes across the Metropolis.

Join the dance troupe

The Athenian Dance Troupe welcomes anyone interested in learning Greek folk dance and taking part in the cultural life of our parish.

Practice schedules, performances, age groups and registration are announced through parish communications.