The Archangelos Greek Dance Troupe
The Greek Dance Troupe was established in 1999 under the direction of Roula Zogopoulos. From community performances to local and travel competitions, the Dance Troupe offers children the opportunity to explore their heritage with their peers and meet other Greeks from around the state and around the country. Our Dance Troupe’s intention is to offer students an opportunity to come together and continue our Hellenic traditions. Mrs. Zogopoulos creates a safe atmosphere in which our young people are inspired, are exploring and are learning about their Hellenic heritage through our rich dancing and musical traditions. Students who join our Dance Troupe possess a high level of commitment and drive.
The Dance Troupe typically meets every Saturday throughout the school year and welcomes students from ages 5 and up. Children are welcomed and encouraged to try out for competition-level groups who perform in various Greek Dance competitions held locally and across the country. *Please note, competition groups require additional practices per week and additional fees also apply.
For more information please contact:
greekdance@archangelmichaelchurch.org.
The Troupe typically meets on Saturdays throughout the school year and welcomes those ages 5 and up.
Agape & Elpida (Grades K-3): 9:30-10:30
Eftihia & Hara (Grades 4-10): 10:30-11:30
Neolea (Grades 11 & up): 11:30-12:30
*class ages and times are subject to change based on group size
Dancing In The News
The troupe was featured in the Hellenic Voice NY newspaper and Greek News Online.
Roula Zogopoulos – Greek Dance Troupe Director
Zaharoula Zogopoulos has been a dancer and director in the New York Greek community for over 20 years. She attended the St. Demetrios Greek-American High School of Astoria, NY where the love of Hellenic traditions was instilled in her from a young age. She began choreographing her high school Greek Dance Team, she performed with the Pan-Macedonian Association of New York, she continued to train in classical dance, and continued to perform professionally throughout her college career. Her passion for her culture led her to continue learning and growing as a dancer, director, researcher and choreographer. Mrs. Zogopoulos continues to conduct her research in Greece with many renowned dance researchers, historians, professors, and village elders and locals.
Mrs. Zogopoulos has proudly worked for the Archangel Michael Church since 1999 as the Dance Troupe Director. She has presented her award-winning work in the Parathosi Archdiocesan Competition of NY since 2017. Most recently, she presented her work on two national stages including the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival (FDF) of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, as well as the Hellenic Dance Festival (HDF) of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta where her students experienced an invaluable showcase of Hellenic passion. Mrs. Zogopoulos is also committed to supporting vital causes such as The Ronald McDonald House of NYC, and proudly involves her dance students in annual collections for afflicted families, as well as supports the Niki Sideris Annual Greek Division Walkathon by performing for so many children facing the unthinkable. Archangelos Dance Groups also proudly perform for various Hellenic Cultural Events as well as the annual Festival on the Harbor.
Mrs. Zogopoulos holds a Degree in Drama Theater & Dance/Choreography from CUNY, Queens College where she was awarded the Farah Marcellus Award for “Outstanding Choreography.” She also holds a Master’s of Teaching Degree with three certifications; Elementary Education Teacher (1-6), Early Childhood Teacher (B-2) and Dance Education Teacher (K-12).
Dance Troupe Competition Accomplishments include:
Parathosi 2019
- First Place, Division 1 (Neolea) Cretan Suite
- Best Costume, Division 1 (Neolea) Cretan
- Second Place, Division 3 (Xara) Epirus Suite
Parathosi 2020
- Second Place, Division 1 (Neolea) Dodecanese Suite
- Second Place, Division 3 (Xara) Suite from the Island of Simi
Parathosi 2024
- First Place, Division 1 (Neolea) Kastoria Suite
- First Place, Division 2 (Hara) Symi Suite
- First Place, Division 3 (Eftihia) Thasos/Samos Suite
HDF 2023
- Costume Award, Advanced Primary Category (Eftihia) Kalymnos Women’s
- Silver, Advanced Primary Category (Eftihia)
- Silver, Advanced Junior Category (Hara)
- Costume Award, Advanced Intermediate Category (Neolea) – Erythraia
HDF 2024
- Choral Award, Primary Category (Eftihia) Thassos
- Platinum, Primary Category (Eftihia)
- Costume Awards, Junior Category (Hara) – Symi Women’s Costumes
- Choral Award, Intermediate Category (Neolea) KastoriaGold, Intermediate Category (Neolea)
FDF 2020, Anaheim, CA
- Founder’s Special Achievement Award, Advanced Intermediate Division (Neolea) Kos Suite
FDF 2022
- Founder’s Special Achievement Award Division I Intermediate (Neolea) Roditikos Suite
- Fourth Place Division I Intermediate (Neolea)
- Third Place Division II Junior (Hara)
FDF 2023
- Founder’s Special Achievement, Junior Division, (Eftihia) Symi Suite
FDF 2024
- Fourth Place, Advanced Primary Division (Eftihia)
- First Place, Advanced Intermediate (Neolea)
Related Articles:
https://www.laosnews.gr/article/117854-sto-megalutero-festibal-paradosiakon-xoron-ths-omogenei
https://www.ekirikas.com/i-koinotita-archangelou-michail-sto-fes/
