America is unique in that it is a country not limited to definition by any single ancestry; instead, it is a veritable melting pot of culture and ethnicity. One of the great things about this aspect of America is that individuals from myriad ethnic backgrounds are able to share their heritage, customs, and beliefs with literally anyone. One such instance of cultural crossover that takes place every year in Tucson is the Greek Festival, hosted by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Here every person with Hellenic association, from first generation Greek-Americans to converts with no recorded Greek blood, share their love and pride for the Greek culture. Some of the main attractions at the festival are the Hellenic dance troupes, comprised of young children and old teens alike, who perform authentic Greek Dances. These dances provide an amazing forum for exploring culture, as each troupe will often represent a different region within Greece through its dances, and as such a different aspect of the overall Hellenic culture. Even if individuals do not have time to participate in the dance troupe program, they are still welcome to dance and contribute to the festivities. This extends to everyone who attends the festival, as the troupe dancers will give scheduled and impromptu lessons to anyone that wants to learn and dance with friends in front of a live band. The end result is something not to be missed - a fantastic mingling of cultures built around jovial amicability and shared interests.
