More than 100 current and past members of the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey will perform at a 40th anniversary celebration at the Pines Manor in Edison on April 29. PHOTOS BY GLEN HUSZAR EDISON — An experience of Greek culture awaits those who join with the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey (HDNJ) as they celebrate their 40th anniversary with a dinner-dance and a performance at the Pines Manor on April 29.
The event, which is open to the public and begins at 4 p.m., will feature more than 100 current and alumni dancers performing from their repertoire of more than 325 Greek folk dances in authentic costumes. Music will be provided by the Appolonia Greek band and DJ Pegasus.
“We hope all those who attend our celebration will receive a taste of the history of Greek culture from the past, present and even the future through the symbolism, story and message of the Greek dance and music,” said John Halkiadakis, HDNJ artistic director for the past 15 years. “The dances release a lot of emotions for the dancers, and hopefully these emotions will be shared by the audience as well.”
Halkiadakis, a native of Edison who now lives in Bridgewater, said the HDNJ performance will be in three parts, each lasting about 20 to 25 minutes: carnival orMardi Gras dances by current dance members; mixed regions dances by alumni; and dances from the Island of Crete by current members.
“In between the three dance sections, the Appolonia band will play and members of the audience will be invited to try Greek dancing,” said Halkiadakis, a first-generation Greek American who has been performing Greek folk dancing since he was 16. “We want everyone to feel the Greek cultural experience through dancing.”
The approximately 40 current members and 60 alumni come from a cross-section of New Jersey, mainly in Central and Southern Jersey, with ages ranging from 15 to the 40s, he said.
“We have members who are first-, second- and third-generation dancers, and maybe even some fourth generation,” said Halkiadakis. “Most members have learned Greek dancing through their Greek Orthodox church communities and in dance conferences held among the churches.”
TheHDNJwas founded in 1972 by the late Rev. Jim Chakalos and his wife, Eleni, fondly known as “Mrs. C,” at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church inAsbury Park. The organization now rehearses at the community center at the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Holmdel. Since 1980, the HDNJ has been a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
“Mrs. C[Eleni Chakalos] is the heart and soul of the Hellenic dancers,” Halkiadakis said. “She has made most of the costumes and gives us all the inspiration to function as a living history to preserve the folk dance customs of Greece for future generations.”
According to Arete Bouhlas, HDNJ board member and publicity director who resides in Highland Park, Mrs. C is still active in the HDNJ and will be honored at the 40th anniversary celebration for her dedication and hard work.
“It will part of our celebration,” Bouhlas said. “There will be other surprises, too.”
Bouhlas, who will be one of the dancers at the event, said the anniversary celebrations have been a year in the making. Many have volunteered their time and talents to make it a success.
“The Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey keeps up with the traditional dances that are still performed somewhere in Greece and preserves the culture that comes with them,” she said. “They are amazingly beautiful dances, and I encourage everyone to join us for a memorable event.”
TheHDNJ has performed professionally at national and international events, including the New Jersey State Ethnic and Diversity Festival, Greek Heritage Day with the Metrostars, the inaugural festivities for former President Ronald Reagan, and the Statue of Liberty Weekend Grand Finale. The troupe also has appeared on ABC TV’s “20/20.” In addition, members of the troupe participated in the closing ceremonies of the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.
Bouhlas said proceeds from the anniversary celebration will support the HDNJ in preserving the folk dances of Greece and perpetuating Greek culture in the United States, and helping with the expenses of the HDNJ’s 2012-13 touring schedule.
Tax-deductible tickets for the four-course sitdown dinner, souvenir program and dance performance are $75 for adults; $55 for students 13 to 23 years of age; and $35 for children 12 and under. No tickets will be sold at the door. There will also be a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction.
For reservations, contact Cheryl Bontales at 732- 796-1006 or at [email protected]. For general information, click on www.hellenicdancersofnj.org.