On April 29, on the occasion of International Dance Day, the Greek Association of Borås participated for another year in a cultural event held at the Textilmuseet (Textile Museum), presenting four different traditional dances from regions of Greece.
At the end of the event, Greek News FL spoke with two members of the association, Anastasia and Elias, who referred to the importance of the participation of the Greek community in the event, the role of traditional dance as a connecting link with the roots, but also the joy of preserving Greek cultural identity through collective action in the diaspora.
– Why are you participating in the event today?
Today, on the occasion of World Dance Day, we presented a small performance with four traditional dances from different provinces of Greece. It is very pleasing for us that the Municipality of Borås invites us to this event every year, so that we can give our own cultural stamp to the city where we live. It gives us the opportunity to show who we are, what we do and to present our roots and culture.
Is this your first time participating in this event?
No. This is the third year in a row that we have participated in this Borås festival, but of course the Greek Community of Borås has been participating for many years overall.
– What does Greek traditional dance mean to you?
Dance is perhaps the most popular form of tradition. It is something that touches everyone. Dance and singing are the most direct contact with our roots. Dance is truly a form of psychotherapy. It brings us closer to the Greek element, which we often miss due to immigration.
– How often do you meet and dance as a group?
We dance every Wednesday at the Greek Community of Borås, at our venue. We are a group of about 15–20 people and with everyone's help we try to keep this activity alive, because it brings us closer to our roots and at the same time offers us joy and fun.
– Who can participate in your activities?
Everyone is welcome. It is not necessary to be Greek to participate. In our group we have Swedes, French, Cypriots and people from many countries. It is open to everyone.
– A message to the Greek diaspora?
Keep dancing, especially today, which is International Dance Day. Dance unites. It unites Greeks among themselves, but also Greeks with other peoples. It has no borders and that is what makes us feel so close to Greece.
