I was born in February 1967 in the small village of Chimadio, in the prefecture of Kilkis. My father comes from the Euxine Pontus (Black Sea region) and my mother from East Romilia (Northern Thrace) – roots that have shaped me deeply. As the child of immigrant parents, I grew up with my grandparents in the village. Although growing up without my parents was sometimes difficult, it gave me the gift of a truly traditional upbringing. From my grandparents I learned the Pontic dialect, which I cherish, and I discovered the authentic way people used to dance at village fairs, weddings, and family celebrations.
In 1977 my parents returned from Germany, and we moved to Diavata, a district of Thessaloniki. A few years later, in February 1980, I joined the newly founded Pontic cultural association “Alexandros Ipsilantis.” My dance teacher was the great Nikos Kiriakidis. I took part in his three-hour classes twice a week, absorbing everything I could. When I joined the army in 1986, dancing didn’t stop – quite the opposite. I was lucky enough to learn even more traditional dances from my fellow soldiers, each bringing the rhythm of their own region.
In 1994 I got married and moved to Germany. After five years of settling into my new life, I began teaching dance in February 2000 at the “Hellas Waldniel” dance club (Viersen). At the same time, I also taught at the Greek Community of Viersen. This opened the door to many more opportunities: the Mönchengladbach Adult Education Center, the Greek Community of Mönchengladbach, the “Elektra” Women’s Association, the Greek Community of Ratingen, the Essen Adult Education Center, the ZWAR dance group in Mönchengladbach, as well as groups in Düsseldorf, Forstwald (Krefeld), and Neuss. Alongside my regular classes, I led seminars and workshops in cities across Germany, Austria, and Belgium.
Since July 2008 I have been a member of the CID (International Dance Council), and in the same year I received my certification from the renowned Dora Stratou Dance Theatre in Athens. I also organize dance trips to various parts of Greece, sharing not only the steps but the spirit of our traditions. Since 2017, I have dedicated myself entirely to working as a dance teacher.
I strongly believe in lifelong learning – for students and teachers alike. That is why I always try to attend seminars led by experts in regional folklore and traditional dance. Learning from people connected to their cultural roots is invaluable, and it allows me to preserve and pass on the dances in their most authentic form. As I like to say: lifelong learning is for everyone. You never stop learning – and neither do I.
This is my dance journey — briefly told, but straight from the heart!