Upper Darby, PA – A star-studded group of Pontian musicians from both the United States and Greece filled the St. Demetrios Church hall this past Saturday night. It was the 78th Annual Pontian Akritai of Philadelphia annual dance, and the generations of Pontians and friends celebrated in traditional fashion.
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The evening also featured the Akritai’s dance troupe who performed a series of traditional dances from Pontos. Guests who attended beamed with pride as the Akritai strutted their stuff. Many family members walked out and sprayed the performers with dollars. Some 50 dancers that ranged from ages five to forty circled the floor for more than half an hour, setting the tone for the evening. “We continue to grow and are recognized as one of the best Greek dance groups in the area,” said clubhouse president Effie Pavlidou Economou.
Each year, the Akritai also recognize those individuals that help preserve and perpetuate the community and organization. This year the media representatives of Cosmos Philly and the National Herald had the spotlight. Stelios Lambrou of the National Herald along with Vasilis Keisoglou and Leftheri Kostans were honored for their dedication to the community.
The annual event supports the Pontian clubhouse and funds the Akritai Pontian Dance troupe that performs all over the Delaware Valley and on the road at other festivals/dances.