Annunciation Greek Dance Ministry

INTRODUCTION

 

Welcome to the 2024 and 2025 dance season! 

 

The Annunciation Greek Dance Program is dedicated to bringing our youth and young adults together in the spirit of Orthodox Christian fellowship and faith through folk dance and music.

 

Our directors, board members, and volunteers have already been hard at work in preparation for this year’s program! We look forward to a memorable year with our dancers, directors, parents, and volunteers who show up each week with a positive attitude, building bonds, creating memories, and preserving our Greek culture and heritage. Lastly, we appreciate our parish community who work behind the scenes to help coordinate and support this growing and flourishing ministry!

 

Performance opportunities are scheduled throughout the year, including but not limited at our Greek Food Festival and our annual Elliniki Vradia, where our groups will all perform together in costume to live music. Performance details to follow in TeamSnap.

 

If you are interested in getting involved, helping or volunteering with the dance ministry please reach out to dance@annunciationsac.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

2024-2025 Dance Groups

TA KAMARIA

Birth Years 2019-2020

SENIOR DIRECTOR

Stefanie Manolakas Mizner

 

ASSISTANT DIRECTORS

Marilena Pikios

Katherine Garrett

RIZES

Birth Years 2018

SENIOR DIRECTOR

Lindsey Fostinis Kivetos

 

ASSISTANT DIRECTORS

Margo Tzikas

TA KOUKOUNARIA

Birth Years 2016-2017

SENIOR DIRECTOR

Ioanna Gergiannakis

OI APOGONOI

Birth Years 2012-2015

SENIOR DIRECTOR

Maria Demas Verrios

 

ASSISTANT DIRECTORS

Spyro Avdis

Giana Kordazakis

NEA GENIA

Birth Years 2008-2011

SENIOR DIRECTORS

Evi Tsigaris

Dimitra Tsigaris

DEOS

Birth Years 2007 or before

SENIOR DIRECTORS

Lindsey Fostinis Kivetos

George Kyriklidis

Nena Kyriklidou

TEAMSNAP COMMUNICATION

 

We are excited to be using the TeamSnap platform to help facilitate the growing communication and scheduling needs of our flourishing groups.

 

This app will be the main form of communication for practices and events which will be listed in the Master Calendar.

 

Directors will use the TeamSnap app as their attendance rosters. Only registered dancers will be included on the TeamSnap communications as well as the official roster submitted to FDF.

 

If you need assistance with registration please reach out:

2024-2025 DSG Executive Board Members

 

 

PRESIDENT:  Eleni Crush

 

VICE PRESIDENT/COMMUNICATIONS: Stefanie Manolakas Mizner

 

TREASURER:  Christine Kouvaris

 

SECRETARY: Vana Gergiannakis

 

FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNITY EVENTS: Joanna Leventis-Noonan & Maria Katsandres

 

DANCE DIRECTOR LIAISON:  Chris Kordazakis

 

PARISH COUNCIL LIAISONS:  Demetri Romas, Taki Fotopoulos, and Niko Pikios

Important Elements of Our Dance Program

2025 FDF

Please note that attending and competing at FDF are optional, but we hope you will join us!

 

The Metropolis of San Francisco’s FDF is the single largest gathering of Orthodox Youth in North America, happening over President’s weekend in February. All event information can be found at www.yourfdf.org – check back as it is updated frequently.

Sacramento Greek Festival

The first weekend of October, our dancers perform Greek dances in traditional costumes for those attending the Festival. This is a great way for people to understand our heritage, the essence of the Hellenic spirit, and our giving back to God.

 

Dancers are expected to attend, dance, and volunteer to work at least one shift at the festival (October 4-6, 2024)

Fundraising

We participate in various program fundraisers, church fundraisers, other ministries, events, and services throughout the year. All participants are required to participate. 

 

Fundraisers should be a partnership between the dancers, directors, parents and board members. The purpose is not only to raise money, but to develop fellowship and instill in our dancers a sense of ownership and responsibility by being active participants alongside their parents in raising the funds necessary to ensure a successful program.

Diakonia Project

Giving Back – – Diakonia promotes the importance of service to the community by encouraging our youth to come together and give back to those in need.

Costumes

Annunciation Sacramento provides costumes for all dancers for the festival, Elliniki Vradia Preview, and FDF at no additional fees to the dancer.

Dance Workshops

RECREATION DANCE or COMPETITIVE DANCE?

Which Track is Best for You?

Recreational Greek Dance Season

  • Annunciation Dance Registration 
    • Season Sept-February

 

  • Practice once per week, Sunday afternoons

 

  • Performances at Annunciation Sacramento Greek Food Festival, and possibly other neighboring sister parishes

 

  • Volunteering & Participation in DSG Fundraising, Community/Church Events, and Diakonia Service Projects

 

  • End of Season Performance in costume at Preview – Elliniki Vradia

 

  • Dancer Recognition Sunday AND
    End of Season Party & Slideshow

Competitive, FDF Greek Dance Season

  • Annunciation Dance Registration 
    • Season Sept-February

 

  • Practice multiple times per week, Sunday afternoons + additional weekdays

 

  • Performances at Annunciation Sacramento Greek Food Festival, and possibly other neighboring sister parishes 

 

  • Volunteering & Participation in DSG Fundraising, Community/Church Events, and Diakonia Service Projects

 

  • End of Season Performance in costume at Preview – Elliniki Vradia

 

  • Dancer Recognition Sunday AND
    End of Season Party & Slideshow


  • FDF out of pocket expenses
    • Registration is aprx $430 per dancer, paid to FDF organization. 

 

  • Parents must also purchase registration wristbands ranging from $150-$350

 

  • Travel and Lodging at FDF (Thursday -Monday)

 

  • Competing onstage at FDF, multiple performances in costume