Syrtos

Efstathios 'Steve' Pilidis is the Director and Youth Advisor for the Pan Macedonian Youth Dance Group of Philadelphia. Born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, former dance instructor for numerous GOYA dance groups as well as active participant with the Macedonians for over 20 years with the goal of preserving Hellenism and the Orthodox faith for future generations in our community.

Bobby Garofalis is the Director of the Hellenic Youth Dancers at Saints Constantine and Helen in Newport News, Virginia. With over 35 years of experience in Greek dance, he began as a dancer in 1990 and rose to become choreographer, director, and now lead administrator — overseeing 4–5 active youth and adult groups, including the award-winning troupe Enosis. Widely respected for his expertise in the dances of Pontos, Thrace, and the Dodecanese, Bobby’s deepest connection lies with the traditions of Crete — a passion first sparked in 1985 while studying at the Xirouhakis Dance Studio in Chania. Over the past decade, he has worked closely with master instructors to revive lost village dances, including a 2020 suite from Rizinia, Chania featuring Rizitika songs — performed for the first time in the U.S. and honored with the Folk Expression Award at HDF. From 2019 to 2025, Bobby focused on refining the distinct Syrto style of Chania, training American dancers to perform with authentic precision. That work culminated in Enosis earning first-place honors in the advanced categories at both FDF and HDF in 2023. Most recently, Bobby has turned his attention to the underrepresented region of Bafra in Pontos, debuting its unique traditions at HDF in 2025. His mission is to give voice to Greeks whose stories fall outside the mainstream — preserving their music, steps, and spirit for a new generation. Bobby’s latest passion is mentorship: offering guidance and support to Greek dance groups and young directors across the country. Whether through workshops, collaboration, or one-on-one coaching, he’s committed to helping the next wave of leaders carry Hellenic dance forward with skill, integrity, and pride. With 34 HDF medals — including 20 platinum — and a 2012 Director of the Year award, Bobby continues to see Greek dance as more than performance — it’s a lifelong journey of heritage, identity, and community. Episode Music: Endasi Live in Miami

Andreas Seas, is the co-director for the Koinonia dance group in Raleigh North Carolina. He was born in Akrotiri, Cyprus, to two dance teachers, and has been active as a dancer, researcher, and community organizer ever since. His goals as a dance instructor are to preserve Hellenic culture and simultaneously spark interest and curiosity in the next generation of dancers. When he isn’t dancing, Andreas is working to complete his MD and PhD with a focus in biomedical engineering and neurosurgery. Episode Music Credit: The Anemos Music Project

Harry Koutroumanis and Paul Calzada share about the 2025 Gnosis research trip through the Hellenic Performing Arts Foundation to Karpathos and Crete. Learn a bit about their work, and its connection to the Foundation's mission. For more information visit www.hellenicperformingarts.org [https://www.hellenicperformingarts.org] or @hellenicperformingarts

Vasilios Aligiannis has an extensive and impressive resume within the Greek folk dance community. He is the founder and lead instructor of the Hellenic Lyceum Sydney. Below are excerpts from his remarkable CV. "My lifelong passion for Greek folk dance has led me on a remarkable journey of exploration and discovery throughout Greece. With over twenty five visits to this captivating country, I have immersed myself in its diverse regions, delving into the rich tapestry of its folk dance traditions. Through a meticulous blend of research and firsthand experience, my methodology encompasses a multifaceted approach aimed at uncovering the cultural nuances and significance of Greek folk dance. In essence, my research into Greek folk dance is a labor of love, fuelled by a deep-seated admiration for the beauty and resilience of this cherished tradition. Through my interdisciplinary approach and immersive experiences, I strive to illuminate the cultural significance of folk dance in Greece and contribute to its preservation for future generations to embrace and enjoy. My research methodology is characterised by its comprehensive and interdisciplinary nature, drawing upon elements of musicology, anthropology, and ethnography. Each trip to Greece involves meticulous planning, as I meticulously research areas and regions of interest, seeking out villages and local communities where folk dance traditions thrive. Upon arrival, I engage in immersive experiences, participating in festivals, workshops, and cultural events that celebrate Greek heritage. In my quest to understand Greek folk dance, I actively seek out opportunities to connect with villagers and locals who embody these traditions. By immersing myself in their communities, I gain firsthand knowledge of the customs, rituals, and social dynamics that underpin folk dance practices. I document these experiences through video recordings, photographs, and field notes, capturing the essence of daily life and cultural expression. A crucial aspect of my research involves the recording of interviews with key figures in the field of Greek folk dance. From local dancers and instructors to cultural experts and historians, these interviews serve as invaluable sources of insight into the origins, practices, and evolution of folk dance in Greece. Through these conversations, I aim to preserve oral histories and capture the diverse perspectives that shape this cherished cultural tradition. I also participate in one on one lessons of dance and learn these steps from firsthand. Throughout my research journey, I have forged meaningful connections with key organisations dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Greek folk dance. From the Lykeion Ellinidon to KEPEM (Center for Research on Greek Dance), Dora Stratou Greek Dance Theater and the Domna Samiou Foundation, I have collaborated with esteemed institutions that share my passion for safeguarding Greece's cultural heritage. Through these partnerships, I have access to resources, expertise, and networks that enrich my research endeavours. I have also made some amazing connections with people involved in Greek dance e.g. Alkis Raftis, Lefteris Drandakis and Kostas Mitsis." Regions of Expertise * Arkadia / Messinia, in the Peloponnese. * Naousa and the Boules Dromena in Macedonia. * Syrrako, Tzoumerka Region, in Epirus. * Konitsa and the Mastorohoria Region, in Epirus. * Roumlouki Imathias, in Macedonia. * Kalymnos/Leros, in the Dodecanese Islands. * Palia Roumata Village, outside Chania, in Crete https://www.greekdancing.com.au [https://www.greekdancing.com.au/about-7] Episode Music: Kostas Mitsis