By Kristen Bruskas
A generation is often defined as a span of approximately 30 years, and with FDF now in its 34th year, we have seen generations come and go. The grandparents who proudly watched their grandchildren in those early years have departed this life; the parents who encouraged their children to dance are now the new generation of grandparents; and those young children who danced in mid 1970’s are now parents watching their own children dance. Dancers from throughout the history of FDF are now also judges, costume experts, leading musicians, and some of the strongest supporters of this ministry. As his Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos stated, “a remarkable ongoing legacy is found in many aspects of FDF. Dancers from the 1970’s are now parents, directors and judges. Grandparents have mentored their children and grandchildren on native instruments and music, passing down to them the history of their ancestors and instilling in them a deep-rooted connection to generations past, along with the obligation to share their knowledge with generations to come.”
The FDF weekend began with an Agiasmos Service at Opening Ceremonies where His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos was joined by over 25 Metropolis Clergy on stage at the San Jose Civic Auditorium, blessing all the participants and attendees at FDF. This was followed by an enthusiastic presentation by the Drum Café – an interactive team building performance which involves the audience in communication through drumming rhythms, creating an atmosphere of energy and unity through sound. A demonstration of the FDF theme, Family Takes Center Stage, was the presence of Major League Soccer player George John, a midfielder with FC Dallas. George has been part of the FDF family since his childhood, and has been a participant in the dance groups at Saint Demetrios Church in Seattle, WA. George returned this year to perform with the Akrites.
Dance competition was off to an early start on both Friday and Saturday, with over 95 groups participating, representing over 1,500 youth. Groups participated from the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The display of colorful costumes, the sounds of music and drums, the cheers of excitement following a performance, and the smiles which illuminated the corridors were evident from early morning until late at night. A total of over 4,000 people attended FDF throughout the weekend.
Choral Competition was held on Friday afternoon with the groups presenting a diverse offering of Liturgical and Folk music. Top honors in the choral competition went to Antilali from Saint Demetrios Church in Tucson, AZ.
Throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, workshops were led by clergy and youth workers in the Metropolis. Topics included current events and issues, especially those focusing on family, faith, friendship and service to the community.
Friday at FDF also brought the much-anticipated arrival of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios who made his third visit to the Folk Dance Festival. It was the first opportunity the Metropolis of San Francisco had to officially honor the 10th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Eminence as Archbishop of America, and several occasions throughout the weekend included the opportunity for celebration of this significant event.
The Archons of the Metropolis of San Francisco hosted an elegant dinner on Friday night for over 100 people – with Archons attending from throughout the Metropolis, as well as the priests and presvyteres who were at FDF. Regional Archon Commander Fanis Economidis shared information on his recent presentations in Warsaw, Poland and Venice, Italy on behalf of the Order of Saint Andrew to call stronger international attention to the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos remarked on the Archbishop’s distinguished service to the Church, his tremendous contributions as a professor, researcher and speaker, and the influence he has had on the development of many of our clergy. The Archons of the Metropolis of San Francisco presented the Archbishop with the Hellenic Urn designed by Robert Cassetti for Steuben Glass.
Meetings of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board and the Metropolis Church Music Federation were also held in conjunction with FDF, and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios spent time with each of these important ministries, recognizing their work and service to the Church. Both groups presented His Eminence with gifts in honor of the 10th Anniversary of his Enthronement.
On both Friday and Saturday evenings, the FDF participants enjoyed even more dancing at the Glendi. This year’s featured performers were: Makedonikos Ikhos (Macedonian Sound) from Florina, Greece; Paradosi – a Greek folk band comprised of leading musicians from throughout the United States; and the Olympians – a popular Greek dance band from Long Beach, CA.
Saturday afternoon brought forth over 150 “dancers in training” with the Division III Exhibition performances. These young dancers get to experience performing in front of an eager and enthusiastic crowd, earning a ribbon for their participation, but without the pressure of judges and competition. The Division III Exhibition round began with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos leading the children in a traditional Kalamatiano.
Cultural Night was held on Saturday, January 16 and featured the stunning performances from the top winners in 2009 – the Youth Choir from Saint John the Baptist Church in Las Vegas, NV (Choral Sweepstakes); the Spartiates from Saint Demetrios Church in Seattle, WA (Division II Sweepstakes), and the Olympian Dancers from the Assumption Church in Long Beach, CA (Division I Sweepstakes). The Las Vegas Youth Choir presented a suite of 18 songs and hymns which were part of a musical journey throughout the various stages of life. Selections included the Katavasies from the Sacrament of Baptism, childhood favorite songs like “Mia Oraia Petalouda” and “Feggaraki Mou Lambro”, hymns from the Sacrament of Marriage, the Funeral Service, as well as other traditional Greek folk songs. The Spartiates presented a program inspired by their dance groups’ trip to Preveza, Epirus where they were hosted by acclaimed dance instructor Kostas Mitsis. At the invitation of Mr. Mitsis, the Spartiates were the only group to perform at a nationally televised choral festival in Agia Paraskevi. The Olympian Dancers from Assumption in Long Beach, CA (Division I Sweepstakes) showcased the often-neglected eastern province of Crete – Lassithi – with a suite of dances including the Pidihtos and Prinianos. The region of Lassithi offers its own costumes, dances, music and instrumentation, including the gerakokoudouna and daouli.
Two distinguished individuals were also honored at Cultural Night for their exemplary service to the Metropolis and the commitment to promoting our Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage. Mrs. Valerie Roumeliotes has served as Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos President for the past eight years and has been a member of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board for 22 years. Valerie was honored with the Humanitarian Award which was renamed this year in honor of the late Metropolitan Anthony. Dr. Kenny Frangadakis was honored with the Elios Award for his outstanding commitment to the Church. As a founding member of the Elios Society, Kenny has worked tirelessly to raise funds to support programs which promote Hellenism. He is a member of Leadership 100 and an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The Archieratical Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning was truly uplifting and prayerful with Archbishop Demetrios celebrating, and youth choir members from the Metropolis singing the hymns and responses under the direction of Presvytera Maria Hondros from Las Vegas, NV. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Gerasimos led the faithful in a five-year Memorial Service for the repose of the soul of Metropolitan Anthony as well as past FDF participants who are reposed in the Lord.
Sunday afternoon’s final round of competition for the Advanced Senior Division was a spectacular display of artistry, musicianship and took the audience on a virtual tour of Greece through dance suites representative of many different regions and islands. The Sunday Awards Banquet was attended by more than 2,100 people who impatiently waited for the awards ceremony to begin. Two young dancers presented icons of Christ and the Theotokos to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios on this occasion of the 10th Anniversary of his Enthronement, extending the gratitude of our entire Metropolis for His Eminence’s love and leadership of the Greek Orthodox Church in America.
Top honors for dance went to: Mnemosyne from Holy Trinity in San Francisco (Division I Sweepstakes), and Ellinopoula from Saint Nicholas in Northridge (Division II Sweepstakes).
It was evident throughout the weekend that Archbishop Demetrios was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic presence of over 1,500 dancers and singers, and expressed his desire to return for future Folk Dance Festivals. During His Eminence’s remarks he stated, “If anyone says ‘I’ll show you a star’, I would say to them, ‘Come to FDF and I will show you a constellation’”.
The 2010 FDF was led by Rev. Father Gary Kyriacou, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, along with Board Members: Spiro Beckas, John Boudouvas and Michael Syrengelas. They were assisted by Management Team Director Christa Barbas, and a committed group of young adults who coordinated workshops, competition, registration and various events throughout the weekend.
In 2011, FDF will be celebrating its 35th Anniversary. The location for next year’s event is in final negotiations, but will be held over President’s Day Weekend, February 17 – 20, 2011.
