The curtain of the three-day 2nd International Festival of Dance Ensembles opens on Wednesday, August 21st, with the “Ichthyoskala” cultural events venue hosting, until Friday, August 23rd, groups from abroad as well as groups from the wider region. As part of the performance, folk dances from the countries representing the international bands and dances from regions of our country will be presented.
This year the Dance Department of the Municipality of Patras in collaboration with the Municipality of Agrinio, which organizes a corresponding Festival, hosts in the capital of Achaia dance groups from Ireland “Trim The velvet Irish dance group” and the Hawaiian Pacific Dance Group “The Hawaiian Pacific Magic Dance Company” representing the Polynesian Community of Toronto (Canada) to present dances from Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand.
From the area, the Dance Team of the Pangalavrytine Association of Patras, the Cultural Association of Diakoftos, the Women’s Association of Ag. Vassiliou “THE TEAM” Cultural Association of Skepasto, the Folk Music and Dance Workshop of Patras, the Cultural Association of Ano Sychainos, the Cultural Association of Alissai “O PIROS”, the Immigrant Association of Patras EMIGRANTI and the Dance Department of the Municipality of Patras which is also responsible for the organization.
The aim of the Festival is the contact of different people and cultures with each other in order to promote solidarity, respect and acceptance of diversity in the culture of each people, away from and outside the unrestrained commercialization of their cultural creations.
The cultivation of anti-racist views against the oppression of peoples, nations, cultures and people, the protection of nature from its unscrupulous exploitation with the sole aim of profit and the sending of a peaceful message in all directions “no more war, no more oppression of man by man”.
Foreign groups participating in the 2nd International Dance Ensemble:
The Hawaiian Pacific Magic Dance Company
Total team members: Men 15- Women: 10
The Hawaiian Pacific Dance Company represents the Polynesian Community of Toronto, Canada. The Group was formed in 1982 with five Young Dancers and eventually grew to 200 talented young artists performing local, national and international dances. Their goals are to spread the ALOHA spirit and enhance the understanding of Polynesian culture, as expressed through traditional music and dance, as an art form. The group’s repertoire is diverse, representing the peoples of the South Pacific, including the ancient Hawaiian Hula, the magical Poi dances of New Zealand, the exciting and pulsating Otea of Tahitian, and the authentic dances of Fiji and Samoa.
Trim The velvet Irish dance group
Total people in the group: 2 men: 27 women:
Embroide the Velvet is an innovative Irish dance troupe from Belfast. Under the instruction and choreography of Kathy O’Connor, the group goes from strength to strength.
Taking its name from a traditional Irish dance tune (‘reel’), the band has performed at numerous prestigious events throughout Ireland and has represented the island at International Folk Festivals across Europe.
The talented musicians and dancers create a colorful show of fast moving music, dance and song. We are invited to share with them the enjoyment of the music, the excitement and elegance of the dance, the enchanting songs and the exuberance of an Irish folk festival “Kaylee”
Entry to the three-day event is free.
THREE-DAY PROGRAM
WEDNESDAY August 21st
1. Pangalavrytine Association of Patras
Dances from the Peloponnese
2. Association of Immigrants of Patras “EMIGRANTI”
Dances from Albania
3. The Hawaiian Pacific Magic Dance Company
Dances from Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand
4. Trim The velvet Irish dance group
Dances from Ireland
5. Dance Department of the Municipality of Patras
Folk dances
THURSDAY August 22
1. Dance Department of the Municipality of Patras
Dances from Epirus
2. Saint Basil’s Women’s Association “THE TEAM”
Dances from the Cyclades
3. Cultural Association of Ano Sychaina
Dances from Thrace
4. Associations of Parents & Guardians of Diakoptou Schools and Women’s Association of “Syvaris” Bank
Dances from Corfu
5. Dance Department of the Municipality of Patras
Dances from An. Romilia
FRIDAY August 23
1. Dance Department of the Municipality of Patras
Dances from Tzia – Serifos – Naxos
2. Cultural Association of Alissai “O PIROS”
Dances from Macedonia
3. Folk Music and Dance Workshop of Patras
Dances from Kefalonia & Kythira
4. Dance Department of the Municipality of Patras
Dances from Crete
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