Event: Greece - Athens

Traditional Greek Dance Festival

When:	23 May - 21 Sep 2008; not Mon (annual)
Where:	Dora Stratou (Greek Dance) Theatre
Costs:	€15; group discounts available
Opening Hours:	Tue-Sat 9.30pm; Sun 8.15pm

Every summer, Greek dancers perform at the renowned Dora Stratou Theatre to the backdrop of the Athenian Acropolis on Philopappou Hill. The dancers wear traditional costume and perform songs and dances which have been in existence for 2500 years.

Dance performances take place every day except Monday and last for one-and-a-half hours. There is room for improvisation, which makes every night a unique one. The programme changes every two weeks, showcasing traditional dances from all over Greece.

Dora Stratou was a Greek folk enthusiast who dedicated her life to researching, recording and preserving her country's indigenous folk culture. With this in mind she founded a theatre, now known as the Dora Stratou Theatre, more than 35 years ago. The famous Greek painter Spyros Vassiliou helped her design it and since its launch the resident dance troupes have toured over 22 countries, receiving international acclaim.

The theatre seats 1000 people and by the new millennium, the 50-strong performers had entertained about two and a half million people, over the course of 5000 performances. Make sure you add to this impressive tally - it's well worth it!