Ethnic dance and ethnocultural maintenance: The role of Greek dance in multicultural Canada

Ioannis Karmas

Ethnocultural maintenance involves fortifying and preserving various attributes of an ethnocultural group (Issari, 2011). These shared characteristics encompass cultural traditions, language, religion, national and ethnic identity, country of origin, and more (Government of Canada, 2015). Within the field of leisure studies, researchers have explored the connection between leisure activities and the preservation of these ethnocultural characteristics (Karlis, 2011; Kim et al., 2002; Stodolska, 2000; Tirone & Goodberry, 2011). In continuing to build upon the research within this field, the purpose of this study was to focus on the ethnocultural leisure activity of ethnic dance and its role in preserving and strengthening various ethnocultural traits. Specifically, a phenomenological approach was used to examine dance teachers’ perceptions of the relationship between participation in ethnic cultural dance, ethnic cultural maintenance, sense of place and belongingness in a multicultural society. Former and current dance teachers and assistants of the Romiosyni Dance Group in Halifax, Nova Scotia were interviewed. Participants were required to have taught within the RDG for at least one year in the past 10 years. In total, 16 interviews were conducted. The results from the study indicate the significant positive impact ethnic dance plays for the members of the RDG regarding ethnocultural maintenance. Participants emphasized the role of ethnic dance in fostering a sense of place and belongingness, as well as multiculturalism, both among RDG members and in the city of Halifax. Additionally, the study suggested that the RDG plays a vital role in preserving Greek culture within the Greek Community of Halifax, distinguishing itself from other ethnocultural activities in the community.