“The dance, of all the arts, is the one that most influences the soul. Dancing is divine in its nature and is the gift of the gods” Plato said.
Dance has always played an important role in Greek lifestyle since the antiquity as it is consider an expression of feelings. From the islands of Crete to Thrace, each region has its own unique folk tradition.
Arnaia settlement has a constant tradition in festivities included local dances and songs. Today, the traditional dance group of Arnaia, member of the Aristotle Cultural Center, enumerates 150 dancers both men and women, participating in the two adult and two children departments. It was re-established in April 1994 having the members’ love and passion for both customs and dancing as its landmark.
The dance society has organized many performances inside and outside Arnaia. For example, every year the dance group participates in local custom’s representations such as the Chelidonismata, Kotsmanous, Kourbania, Meloma of Christ, Soussaritsa, the traditional village wedding, the weighing of St. George etc. It also participates in various religious and cultural festivals such as the celebration of St. Paraskevi, on July 26 and on the revival of the cultural institution“Aristoteleia”.
Their repertoire includes dances from different regions focusing on local dances included the wider area of Macedonia and continues with dances from Greece, Cyprus, Pontos and the coasts of Asia Minor.
