Greek feeling about to take over in Sarasota

When visitors to the 35th annual St. Barbara Greek Festival see one of the Hellenic folk dances, they may not know Maria Kirlangitis was the one overseeing the many performances.

In fact, the River Club resident has organized the folk dances for all 35 years.

“It’s all expressions,” Kirlangitis said.

The St. Barbara Greek Festival, which runs Feb. 7-10, features all things Greek — food, drink, music, dancing and crafts.

It originally started as a one-day event and expanded over time, Kirlangitis said.

The dance performances are thanks to Kirlangitis and the choreographers and helpers who have managed the dancers.

Every area of Greece has a different style of dance, Kirlangitis said. The dancers have been rehearsing since September, spending hours each week and several days in a row preparing for the festival, referred to as the “Glendi.”

Kirlangitis was born in Greece on the island of Chios and came to the United States in the late 1960s. She always loved music and dancing, she said. Additionally, the dances unite the generations.

“Our elderly people enjoy it just as much as the (young),” Kirlangitis said. “Music and that whole spirit is vital.”

Kirlangitis wants to make sure the culture is preserved. Most of the folk dancers at the St. Barbara Greek Festival will be from younger children up to high school seniors.

One dancer, Creekwood Park resident Winona Nasser, has been dancing for three years.

The senior at Braden River High School talked about the phenomenon of “kefi,” which for Greeks translates to euphoria, exuberance and overwhelming passion during dancing or events. It’s when the dancers let go of  their inhibitions and enjoy the moment. Nasser started dancing after watching other Greek dancers over the years and always has felt the kefi, which she described as “infectious joy.”

Kirlangitis shared that sentiment.

“When you hear the music …” she said, trailing off, a smile spreading across her face.

Nasser finds great happiness in the Greek dances, noting the dancing transcends culture and generations. And, dancers don’t have to be Greek to perform.

“That’s how I started dancing,” she said. “For me, it’s definitely one of the most joyous pastimes you can have.”

Kirlangitis said she’s proud of Nasser.

“Not only because she’s learned the dance, but she puts her whole being into it,” she said.

“Where you have kefi, you’re feeling it,” Kirlangitis said.

Jenna Choueiri, 17, is a junior at Out-of-Door Academy and lives near the church. She’s been dancing for about 12 years, she said.

“We’re all really funny when we’re together,” she said. “We’re like a family.”

Visitors to the festival won’t see every Greek dance, but Nasser said she and her fellow performers have learned between 30 and 35. Dancers can’t learn every dance that’s out there — Kirlangitis estimated that there are more than 10,000 of them.

Nasser said there’s one thing, above all, that is crucial in the dancing.

“The most important part is being able to share it,” she said.

Watching the dancers pour their heart and soul into their performance, Kirlangitis said she feels proud.

“You just can’t imagine the joy I feel,” she said.

At the end of the day, Kirlangitis hopes visitors to the festival enjoy the culture.

“There’s a Greek in all of us,” she said.

“You just have to find it,” Nasser replied.