Over the course of the last 30 years, the dance department of the Cultural Institute of the HCGM has evolved into the Laografiko Ergastiri of Montreal (LEM) that we have come to know today. In its early years, the main objective of the Cultural Institute was to offer dance lessons to the youth of the Greater Montreal area. Under the direction of the late Dimitrios Tzotzis, the LEM was officially created and given more structure, through which it was able to reach and offer its services to all the campuses of the HCGM (Montreal, Laval, Roxboro, and South Shore).
With over 400 dancers, our groups consist of the youth groups:
- Aetopoula (Pre-K to Gr. 6, further subdivided into 3-4 groups per campus)
- Trantellines (Gr. 7-8)
- Pegasus (Gr. 9-10-11)
As well as two adult groups:
- Orpheas (our official performing group)
- Terpsichore (senior group)
The purpose of the LEM is not only to offer dance lessons but to immerse the students into their Greek culture and heritage. The LEM has revamped the idea of cultural education by combining the study of traditional Hellenic dance with song, theatre, and music. A few groups were created in conjunction with the dancing groups, such as “Erato” our group of traditional song, “Lalitades” our traditional musical group, and finally “Thiassos” our traditional theatre group. These groups are showcased during our events and add to our students’ folklore lessons.
In addition to many smaller-scale productions that have allowed our students of all ages to showcase their talent, the LEM has staged four major productions at the prestigious Place-des-Arts Theatre in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012. Each one specifically titled « Μελετώντας τις Ρίζες Μας » (The Study of Our Roots), bringing us back in time to experience various customs and traditions through song and dance.
Become a member of our community today!
Join here: Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (hcgm.org)
The registration period for the 2024-2025 dance season is now open!
Classes begin for our youth groups on Friday, September 13, 2024, in Montreal, Laval and Roxboro and Saturday, September 14, 2024, on the South Shore.
The first day of class for Orpheas + Terpsichore: Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Click on a tab to select your campus and register.
For more information regarding registration and our programs, please contact us at [email protected]
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