βήματα Ελευθερίας: March 2026

S10E6: Research to Stage..continued

We continued our conversation from the Ethos 2026 panel, with some new guests to try to connect to what research means in Greek folk dance, and how that research is presented on stage. Lots of discussion and laughs later, it's safe to say we need a part 3, 4, 5 to this. Thank you to our guests: Dean Avdalas, Dimitris Dallas, Bobby Garofalis, and Andonis Platis!

S10E5: Ethos Panel Replay

In collaboration with the Hellenic Performing Arts Foundation, the 2026 Ethos Conference panel discussion centered on bringing research to stage. This episode features the recorded panel. For more information on the Ethos virtual conference and to view other presentations please visit www.hellenicperformingarts.org [http://www.hellenicperformingarts.org] Panel Guests: Charlie Kleto Dean Avdalas Bobby Garofalis Moderated by: Paul Calzada

S10E4: Bess Stathakis

Bess Stathakis is an Atlanta native with a lifelong passion for Greek dance and culture. She serves as the Director of the Atlanta Greek dance program, instructs as well as dances with the Atlanta adult dance group, and is a member of the management team for the Hellenic Dance Festival. She is deeply committed to preserving and celebrating Hellenic heritage as she desires to continue to honor and pass down these traditions that helped shaped her own life. Beyond the dance floor, she is a proud wife and soon-to-be mother of two, inspired by her family, faith, and the Greek community that surrounds her. Episode Music: Kostas Mitsis

S10E3: Ellie Falaris Ganelin

Ellie Falaris Ganelin is the director of the Kombos Collective, which she founded in 2011 under the name Greek Chamber Music Project (GCMP). She is a classically trained flutist who welcomes other traditions into the fold, including jazz, Latin, Balkan and klezmer music. She is active as a performer of chamber and orchestral music in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is committed to making classical music inviting and accessible for all as an ambassador and performer for the Awesöme Orchestra Collective. Born and raised in the United States, Ellie is Greek and Croatian-American, whose father hails from Thessaloniki. She’s a proficient speaker and lifelong learner of Modern Greek. Her work with the Kombos Collective has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and deepen her Hellenic heritage. Ellie received her B.A. in Music from the University of Maryland, where she also holds a B.A. in Journalism and a Minor in French. For many years, Ellie had a dual career in nonprofit communications, while simultaneously presenting GCMP concerts. https://kombosmusic.com/ [https://kombosmusic.com/] Episode Music: Kombos Collective, Kanari Mou Glyko, Vardari, Kombos Collective, 2025

βήματα Ελευθερίας: March 2026

Join Vaia and Michelle from GAFS to learn a little more about the 2026 βήματα Ελευθερίας event in Astoria, Queens! For more information, and group pricing, including a preferred hotel rate and registration discount visit the GAFS website: https://www.greekamericanfolkloresociety.org/ [https://www.greekamericanfolkloresociety.org/] Episode music: Kostas Mitsis