1. Greek dance is a very old tradition, being
referred to by ancient authors such as
Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch and Lucian.
There are different styles and
interpretations from all of the islands and
surrounding mainland areas. Each region formed its own choreography and style to fit in with their own
ways. For example, island dances have more of a "watery" flow to them, while Pontic dancing closer to
Black Sea, is very sharp. There are over 4000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece.
There are also Pan Hellenic dances, which have been adopted throughout the Greek world. These
include the tsamiko, syrtos, and kalamatianos.
Traditional Greek dancing has a primarily social function. It brings the community together at key points
of the year, such as Easter, the grape harvest or patronal festivals; and at key points in the lives of
individuals and families, such as weddings and various festivities.
The dances fall into two distinct categories: The restrained "shuffling" or "dragging" dances and the
lively "leaping" dances
The shuffling dances get their name from the fact that the dancers move to the right or to the left with
light steps, without leaping. The shuffling dances provide the greatest variety regarding steps, figures,
names, melodies and rhythms.
The leaping dances are named after the leaps that characterize the movements of the dancers, with a
series of dazzling leaps, turns, and fancy maneuvers. These dances, originated on the ragged mountains
of Greece, require strength and lithe movement.
THE COMPANY
The Greek Time Dance Company is a Johannesburg based Greek dancing company that was founded 30
years ago by the late Sheila Garitsis, since October of 2008, Mireille Lenferna and Clara Arévalo both
students and members of the company have continued the running of the company.
The company at present consists of 5 dancers who have been trained in various styles of Greek dancing.
The group regularly entertains at corporate functions, various restaurants and events, however big or
small!
Our average show consists of four dance’s including the ever popular Zorba, Kalamatiano, Hasapico, and
Hasaposervico. For functions we generally perform these four dances and then pick up the people to
show them how to dance the Zorba and break the plates!
Other dances that we perform include Pendozali, Ikariotiko, Kastrino, Tsamiko, Zembekiko
We pride ourselves on good quality dancers, choreography and reliability. We are open to suggestions and
input in all aspects to give our clients exactly what they want and to make their event an exciting and
spectacular success!
Let us come and create an enjoyable and unforgettable event for you and your guests or company

2. APPEARANCES
The Greek Time Dance Company has several public and private performances to its credit:
June 2015
May 2015
January 2015
Delphic Games 2015 - Invited to perform at the Presentation of the ‘National Delphic
Council SA’ representing Greek dancing in our country . Arts & Culture championships
Hellenic Church Alberton – Function
Foundation for Professional Development – Private function - Pretoria
December 2014 Remote Metering Services - Year end function – Safari Pretoria
January - October 2014 Ocean Basket: Nigel, Killarney, Randfontein, Krugersdorp, Lambton, Germiston
October 2014
September 2014
Mythos Atholl Square – Private Function
Greek Wedding – “Memoires”-Muldersdrift
August 2014 Cancer Charity – Eagle Canyon Estate
March 2014 Company Function for AEL Mining Services
November 2013 Greek Year End for the Hellenic Society- Vanderbijlpark
October 2013 Greek Sizzler- Year End Function
September 2013 Greek Wedding at the Hellenic Church in Vanderbijlpark
May 2013 Routledge Modise Inc – cultural evening
January 2013 Avianto, Muldersdrift – wedding function
December 2012 Opening of Pick n Pay Brentwood Park – Mediterranean theme
December 2012 Year-end function - Laerskool Wierdapark - Zwartkop Golf Estate
September 2012 Sandton Convention Centre: Business Travel Expo – Qatar Airways
July 2012 Performance at John Dory’s – Greek Evening - Vanderbijlpark
March 2012 Greek Church, Houghton – wedding function
March 2012 Moon and Sixpence, Muldersdrift – wedding function
February 2012 Mount Grace, Muldersdrift – private function – MSD
November 2011 Greek Function, Klerksdorp
September 2011 Glenburn Lodge, Muldersdrift, wedding function
August 2011 The Greek Sizzler, Northgate – wedding function
March 2011 Performance at the Roodepoort Recreational Centre
February 2011 Greek Function for Defy, Sun City
November 2010 Greek function, Klerksdorp
September 2010 Sun City Superbowl – Spar Function
July 2010 The Greek Kouzina - Nelspruit
May 2010 La Toscana – Monte Casino, Mediterranean evening
May 2010 World Holiday and Travel Fair – The Cola-Cola Dome, Northgate
March 2010 Private function, Mediterranean Club
February 2010 Valentines Show, Cypriot Club
October 2009 Private function, Klerksdorp
October 2008 Private function, Greek Sporting club
March 2008 Private function at Sabi Sabi
November 2007 “Opa” Show at the Greek Sporting Club
June 2007 Private Function for De Beers division, Fochville
April 2007 Private function, Byzantine Restaurant, Fourways
October 2006 Corp function for the Greek Chamber of Commerce in Botswana
November 2005 Private Christmas function, Middelburg
February 2005 Private function, Vaal
November 2004 Corp function at Park Hyatt for Hellenic Association
October 2004 Corp function, Sun City
June 2004 Private function, Hartebeestpoortdam
1990 – 2015: Regular Cabaret performances at Parea, Joses, Macedonia, Lesvos Restaurant’s,
Paros, Pappas, Jimmy’s Killer Prawns, Ocean Basket’s and other private
functions

3. CV’ s , Contact information & Photos:
CV: MIREILLE LENFERNA
Mireille Lenferna started her ballet studies with Colleen Theys at the age of 6, and then went on to
attend the National School of the Arts. She furthered her ballet training with Helen Dean and Ethne
Ferraris.
At age 9, she began learning Spanish dancing with Sylvana Gironi and later, with Theo Dantes. Since
early 1990, she continued dancing with Hazel Acosta.
Currently Mireille teaches the flamenco dance syllabus ‘Alianza Flamenca’ in Johannesburg and is well-
recognised by her colleagues and pupils for her choreography which is taught in her open classes. She
also currently manages and performs in El Rincon Flamenco’s cabaret and promotional work
In 1998 Mireille joined the Sheila Garitsis Greek Dance Company and over the years became more
involved with assisting and running the company, in Oct 2008 when Sheila passed away, Mireille with
Clara Arévalo continued running the dance company with the family’s consent and today they manage
all the cabaret and promotional work together
082 937 7163 – mireille@dancerstudio.co.za
CV: CLARA AREVALO
Clara Arévalo commenced her ballet studies at age 4 with Lana Palladin, and then went on to study with
Kim Thackarway, completing most of her studies. At age 6, she began Spanish dancing with Hazel
Acosta. She completed both all her Spanish Dance Society exams with Honours and all her Alianza
Flamenca exams, as well as competing in various competitions in Johannesburg. She has attended
open classes with Teresa Morena, Lina Dolores Vega and Carlos.
In 1998 she completed a course with Maria Magdalena in Madrid, Spain and in 2001 Clara has performed
Flamenco at various functions, shows and restaurants with various renowned South African artists.
In 2000, she joined Sheila Garitsis Dance Company and began her Greek dancing career. She started
performing and studying Greek dance. In 2008 she started teaching for Sheila Garitsis and upon her
death, Clara took over the pupils. She currently teaches on a weekly basis. Once a month she travels to
Klerksdorp to teach. In October 2009 Clara and Mireille put together a show in memory of Sheila
Garitsis, incorporating various forms of dance, including Greek, Flamenco, Ballet and African dance. All
proceeds went to various charities. Clara continues performances in various Greek restaurants on a
weekly basis with her dance partner, Mireille Lenferna.
072 732 6651 - clara_arevalofritz@hotmail.com

4. For more photos please join us on Face Book: ‘Greek Time Dance Company’
https://www.facebook.com/groups/164322533595259/
“Expect more madness at Ocean Basket” flashmob: March 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XE4BlOKRUo