Founders
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FounderBorn and raised in the Midwest—a cultural hub for Greek immigrants—was immersed from an early age in the vibrant expressions of Greek life through music, song, and dance. For many immigrant families, these traditions offered a means to connect with their homeland, honor their heritage, and navigate their new life in America. For Maria, these cultural practices became a natural extension of her identity, with Greek dance emerging as her chosen form of expression and a source of lasting memories that continue to shape her today.
As Maria’s life journey brought her to the Washington, D.C. area, she was struck by the diversity of Greek communities across the United States. While grateful for her new home, she felt a sense of displacement, longing for the deep-rooted cultural connection she had cherished in the Midwest. In search of familiarity, she began to reconnect with her heritage through Greek folk dance, and from this passion, she began laying the foundation for a Hellenic dance program that would help bridge the gap between her new surroundings and the traditions she held dear.
For over 15 years, Maria has dedicated herself to building a thriving Hellenic dance program at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bethesda, Maryland. What began as a labor of love has grown into a robust program that now includes more than 120 dancers, ranging in age from 5 to 18, as well as an adult program. Under her direction, the group has been invited to perform at prestigious cultural, civic, and private events—including a performance at the White House during the annual Greek Independence Day celebration. The dancers have also competed at national Hellenic dance festivals, consistently earning top honors for their performances.
As a program director, Maria is driven by a steadfast commitment to preserving the authenticity of Greek dance, music, and song. Her passion for teaching and her dedication to maintaining cultural traditions is matched only by her love of learning. She has studied under the guidance of some of the most respected scholars, teachers, and musicians, both in the United States and Greece. For Maria, the privilege of preserving and sharing Hellenic culture is a lifelong honor—one that she is determined to carry forward for future generations.
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FounderA passionate advocate for Hellenic dance, culture, and community-building, whose journey began in her childhood summers in Greece. Growing up in Upstate New York, Maria was fortunate to spend her formative years abroad in her family's homeland of Karpathos, Greece, where she unknowingly cultivated a deep connection to her heritage. One of her most cherished memories is dancing with her yiayia in the family home in Aperi, where the afternoon sunlight filled the room as they practiced traditional Greek dances—steps that would later echo throughout the lively local festivities.
Maria's involvement in dance began at an early age, with her participation in church-sponsored dance programs. As she grew older, she and several friends formed a professional dance troupe, which allowed her to expand her skills through workshops and conferences across the United States. The troupe performed at a variety of cultural events, including the Epiphany Celebration in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and numerous festivals, weddings, and civic programs along the East Coast. These experiences were the foundation for larger community initiatives, including seminars and collaborations with Greek instructors and musicians, both from the U.S. and Greece.
Maria moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where she further deepened her involvement in Hellenic dance. It was here that she met Maria Giakoumatos, and their partnership became a pivotal turning point in her journey. Maria went on to launch the Syrtos Podcast, a platform dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Greek dance and music. With over 60 episodes to date, the podcast has become a valuable resource for interviews with dancers, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Maria holds a doctorate in nursing, with a focus on purposeful visioning—an approach that helps individuals create pathways to align their passions and creativity with their goals. She has always been driven by a belief that connecting deeply with one's cultural heritage is essential to leading a purposeful, creative life. For Maria, Hellenic dance is more than an art form; it is a means of living intentionally and fostering community.