Every Thanksgiving my family would attend our annual family reunion at Uncle Tony and Aunt Betty's house. There, after filling ourselves on Turkey and Spanikopita (Greek spinach pie), we would roll back the tables and dance the steps that came with my great grandparents from Greece. My grandmother would sit with her mandolin, her brothers with their guitars and bouzoukis, and play all that beautiful music they brought from Greece.

This was a magical ritual that dated back to my mother's childhood and, all in all, survived 50 years. As a child I never knew that everyone did not celebrate Thanksgiving as I did. In fact, I didn't even know that other people watch football (or is it base ball:) till I was an adult.

Thanksgiving inspired me to become a Greek folk dancer and a fifth generation artist (like my uncle Tony, my great uncle Theodore, my great great grand father Kostas, and many others).

Before I was born, my parents would frequent the Greek night clubs on Manhattan's 8th Ave. There they would see the stars of belly dance that I would eventually know and love.

This foundation took me to my first belly dance class. I knew immediately that this was the most natural dance a woman could perform. Moreover, of course, I was drawn to the music. Wow, Greek and Middle Eastern music is the best in the world (so I say :).

I remember the first dance class I took with Serena. It was the day before Thanksgiving (what a pleasant coincidence), her son Scott accompanied the dancers on the oud, and Serena's husband Rip played the doumbek. I thought... gee... they sound like Thanksgiving. I was hooked.

With my twelve years of ballet school, and many more in Jazz and Modern, I knew belly dance was where my heart lay.

In search of my heritage I have made several trips to Greece (and once lived in Athens for a year). There I met dancers, musicians, and artists. Hence, I have had the fortune of working with, and developing a close friendship, with a star of Greek belly dance--Alexandra Fotinou. Moreover, I have had the pleasure of performing at venues all over Greece and Cyprus and have taught intensive belly dance seminars in Athens.

Translation of a poem by Takis Antoniou:

The night is filled with moons tonight.

My soul seeks solace in the stars blossoming with all creation.

The multitude of holy angels sing to you.

Angel messenger of great counsel

Breath of evening stars

Dance, now dance.

Ephemeral one, dance now

Now and ever.

All eternity hears your steps and sees your light

In the seas of flowers and in the depths of the oceans.

A murmuring spring praises to the universal Creator.

The heavens are wondrous in the noble hours of sorrowful night vigil.

Dance now,

My soul seeks solace from unfathomed sorrow

In a gentle verdant abode.

Blessed one, dance now,

Now and ever.