Greek traditional dance instructor and scholar Dr. Christos Papakostas will lead a free dance workshop and judges’ forum on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
Hosted by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey’s Music & Dance Festival (MDF) in partnership with Politistikos Syllogos Philadelphias, the event is intended for dancers ages 12 and older and dance directors preparing for the upcoming festival.
Papakostas is an associate professor of folklore and Greek traditional dance at the University of Ioannina in Greece. He has taught Greek dance throughout Europe and North America and has served as a judge at the Hellenic Dance Festival (HDF) and Folk Dance Festival (FDF).
The workshop will concentrate on traditional dances from across Greece, particularly those expected to be played at the MDF Saturday Night Glenti. Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from Papakostas and become more familiar with the dances.
A separate MDF Judges Forum, reserved for dance directors, will address judging criteria, festival preparation, expectations and research submissions.
Workshop schedule
- 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Greek dance workshop
- 1–1:30 p.m.: Lunch
- 1:30–3 p.m.: Greek dance workshop continues
- 3–4 p.m.: MDF Judges Forum and Q&A (directors only)
The event is free to attend, with donations welcome at the door. Lunch will be provided.
The workshop will take place at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Hall, 7921 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027.
Registration closes Monday, October 26, 2026. Dancers and directors can register through the official MDF Dance Workshop registration form.
For questions, contact Effie Patounas at afrodite.patounas@anngoc.org.
The workshop precedes the Music & Dance Festival scheduled for February 12–14, 2027, in Philadelphia.
Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending, as dates, times, locations, and registration information may change.