The Lyra Greek Dancers is a London based group of Greek and British enthusiasts committed to keeping authentic, traditional Greek dancing, costumes and music alive.
Founded early in 1986, the Group has more than 250 successful performances to its credit. These include: the Cork Choral and Folk Festival (1986); the South Bank Festival of Traditional Arts (1987); the Arundel Festival (1989); Glasgow -Cultural Capital of Europe Greek Gala (1990); the Festival of Dance 91 at the Royal Festival Hall; Pontardawe International Folk Festival in Wales (1992). The Group has also represented Greece at the Folk Dance Competition in the Llangollen International Eisteddfod (1994), placed 5th out of 25, and in the International Festival of Cantonigros /Spain (1996) where it won a prize in the Folk Dance Section. In 1997, Lyra Greek Dancers represented the Greeks of Great Britain in the International Festival of the Greek Diaspora, in Herodes Atticus Theatre in Athens, Greece. The group has also participated in the 44th Sidmouth International Festival (1998); the Ballina Festival in Ireland (1998, 2000); and the 36th Europeade in Bayreuth, Germany (1999). In April 2000, the group performed at Alexandria and at the Cairo Opera House in Egypt and in June 2001 in the Kadikoy's 2nd Annual Folkdance Festival in Istanbul, Turkey. In March 2003, the group performed in Royal Palm Hotel, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
The Group has also given a large number of performances to help raise money for Charity - Oxfam, Telethon, Great Ormond St. Children s Hospital, Camphill, Arthritis Care etc.
The origins of every dance have been thoroughly researched, exploring the times before the formation of the Modern Greek State as far back as the ancient Greek times; Lyra's repertoire is therefore very extensive. It includes dances from the whole of Greece as well as from regions where historically the Greeks have lived in well-established communities such as Cyprus, Northern Epirus, Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor, including Black Sea.
Lyra's performances can be accompanied by live music which helps to create a true Greek atmosphere. The range of instruments includes: Gaida, Zourna, Violin, Touloum, Pontic Lyra, Lute, Sazi, Bouzouki, Daouli, Dahares and Tarabouka.
Lyra performs the complete range of dance types including circle, line, couple and formation sequences. Very little attempt has been made to choreograph the dances; any choreography is limited to making the dances more suitable for stage presentation without ever altering the true character of the dances. The performers are meticulous in their authenticity and convey the true spirit of this cultural form and their personal enjoyment to every audience. Performances are enhanced and complimented by an impressive range of authentic costumes representative of most areas.
Lyra is affiliated to the Mary Ward Centre which is a registered charity and is happy to take part in any event where Greek dancing would be appreciated and suitable.