Orpheus 'Nea Genia' - Nea Vyssa, Thrace - HDF, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (January, 2025)

The Nea Genia group of the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society presented songs and dances from the village of Nea Vyssa in Thraki at HDF in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
This presentation of Customs and Ritual Dances from the village of Nea Vyssa, Evros, Thrace is dedicated to Dr. Eleni Filippidou, Associate Professor of Greek Traditional Dance at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, a renowned researcher and native of the village who generously shared her vast knowledge and research from that village. The presentation features folk elements from the cycle of time and specifically from the Christmas period to the Carnival one; in addition, it includes elements from the cycle of life and particularly dances and songs that are part of the wedding ceremony.
Two of the songs/dances are making their stage premiere, and one of them has been musically arranged for the first time specifically for this presentation.
It is noteworthy that the costumes showcased are authentic pieces from Dr. Filippidou’s personal collection and we were excited to have Eleni Filippidou with us at HDF for the first time.
The Nea Genia group was awarded the Bronze Award (fourth place) at the Senior category.
The group was also awarded the Costume award for their Nea Vyssa costumes.
We would like to also acknowledge the musicians that accompanied the Nea Vyssa suite: the band “Methorios” from Greece, Sarantos Kaperonis (vocals), Izaki Metropoulos (violin), Sophia Metropoulos (laouto)
Directors: Yannis Economou and Christina Kokoris
The dances presented are:
1. O Erotas - Tempelekia (01:36)
2. Dentrou Exoun stin Avli mou - Syrtos Stavrotos Zonaradikos (03:32)
3. Tahydromos - Kathistiko, Custom of Kna (04:35)
4. Eleni Mou - Sympithera Havasou (05:26)
5. Mparmpouni mou - Varys Gisious, Karsilamas (07:37)
6. Pos to trivoun to Piperi - Arapikos (10:16)
7. S' Osia Ampelia Diaeira - Kasapikos (12:05)