Bill Knoedler: Mesoghios Dance Troup demonstrates traditional Greek dancing
Shari Gasper
This festival has gotten bigger and more beautiful. I’ve met so many different people, and they’ve been coming like crazy to see us for years.
Every year since the birth of International Festival at the Madison Civic Center more than 30 years ago, Mesoghios Dance Troup has taken the stage to share Greek folk dancing with our community. The tradition continues at Overture Center’s 2023 International Festival on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2.
“Each festival features different Greek dance sets, costumes and music,” said Bill Knoedler, husband to the late Vicky Tzoumerka-Knoedler, founder of Mesoghios Dance Troup.
Tzoumerka-Knoedler moved to Madison from Athens, Greece, in 1972, and soon after formed the group to celebrate her country and heritage. She helped organize the first International Festival and enjoyed watching it grow over the years.
In a statement to Isthmus writer Victoria Davis in February 2020, Tzoumerka-Knoedler said, “When I first moved here in 1972, I didn’t know we had so many cultures. But this festival has gotten bigger and more beautiful. I’ve met so many different people, and they’ve been coming like crazy to see us for years.”
Tzoumerka-Knoedler passed away in April 2022. At the time of her death, she was preparing music and dances for the 2023 festival. With their primary choreographer gone, the Mesoghios dancers now study DVDs and films of past performances to ensure their moves match the original Greek dances.
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Since Greece has more than a dozen regions, each with its own dances, costumes and cultures, there’s a lot to learn. In fact, there are hundreds of traditional Greek dances. Each island and region of Greece has its own local dance, which make appearances at virtually every family celebration.
The folk dances often feature uneven rhythms and are a fusion of traditional Greek, Turkish and Eastern Europe influence. The group has gotten more eclectic over time, says Knoedler, and has incorporated Asian and African influences into their routines.
Most of the dancers have a background in ballet or folk dancing so pick up on the moves quickly. All ages are welcome to join the Mesoghios Dance Troup. Over the years, the size has fluctuated, starting with five members and growing up to 20 at times. One current member, Susan Simonson, has been with Mesoghios since its formation and several others have participated for more than 10 years.
“We welcome anybody who loves dancing and can keep a beat,” said Knoedler.
At this year’s festival, the dancers will wear multi-colored, unmatching head scarves, tunics and skirts with lots of jewelry for a carefree look. Mesohios has well over 100 costumes with matching jewelry to represent the styles of the various Greek regions. At least half of the costumes are authentic, purchased from Greece, while the rest were made by Tzoumerka-Knoedler and members and include bright colors and hand-embroidered details.
Mesoghios Dance Troup will perform five dances, including two panhellenic dances that have been adopted throughout the Greek world and the hassapikos, a dance originated in Istanbul as a dance performed by Greek butchers. Most of the dances involve a dozen or more people dancing together in a circle. The pace, tempo and style of the dances have significant variations from region to region and in different Greek island groups. Some are fast and energetic while others are slow and heavy.
The Mesoghios’ performance will end with the syrto, which starts slowly and gets faster and faster as the song goes on. It is performed with dancers standing in a circle with their arms around each other’s shoulders.
“This familiar dance will be performed as a tribute to Vicky, and we’d like the entire audience to join in with us,” said Knoedler.
Overall, Knoedler hopes guests will enjoy the performance and be curious to learn more about the Greek culture. Mesoghios Dance Troup performs on Saturday, April 1 at 3:15 p.m. in Playhouse Theater.
