Dancers Celebrate Greek Traditions at Festival

In the late 1950s, Athan Karras danced in such Broadway shows as “Pal Joey.” Ten years later, he took up the drama and soul of his native country with Greek tragedy and dance.

“For Greeks, life is dancing, and dancing is life. It’s a celebration of community. It’s something we all share, together,” said Karras, the artistic director who founded The Golden Greeks 18 years ago at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge.

The troupe of senior high to college-age students whirl and kick and jump to authentic Greek dances, in costume, at festivals throughout the country. They, along with several other Greek dance and musical groups, will be featured Saturday through Monday at the church’s annual Valley Greek Festival.

“There are about 200 to 300 distinctive rhythms and styles of movement,” said Karras, who emigrated from Greece when he was 11, and now lives in Tarzana. “Every region, every island has its own unique costumes, songs and dances. To non-Greeks, the variations are minor; everything looks like something from ‘Zorba The Greek.’ But we know the subtleties.”

The Golden Greeks practice weekly and hold fund-raisers year-round to purchase costumes imported from Greece, some of which cost as much as $500. Other outfits are hand-stitched by relatives and church members, who collectively cook about 50,000 Greek pastries for the weekend, as well.

Now in its 17th year, the festival attracts thousands and is the largest Greek gathering of its kind in Southern California, said Tom Pallad, entertainment director. But being Greek isn’t required.

“On the contrary,” said Eva Pallad, a Chatsworth resident who has assisted her father since the festival’s inception. “We like to say come out and ‘Be Greek for a day.’ ”

“And you know what? It’s contagious,” said Karras, who teaches a course at Loyola Marymount University, infusing the Greek language, religion and history with music and dance. “Sure, we do exhibition dancing, which is demanding and choreographed. But we also do folk-style. You know, around and around in a circle. Simple steps. Lots of fun. And we get everyone to join in.”

Admission to the festival is free, but there are fees for food and beverages.

The Valley Greek Festival, sponsored by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 9501 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, (818) 886-4040, free.