Lyrids 2025 Dance Instructors
Željko Jergan, a former leading performer with the Croatian National Folk Ensemble LADO, has become a prominent figure in the folklore and dance community. With over 450 original choreographies to his credit, Željko has revitalized traditional Croatian dances and developed new works for nearly 100 performing ensembles worldwide. His expertise and attention to detail have made him a sought-after instructor across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, and Taiwan.
Željko has significantly contributed to the Croatian folklore community in Canada, serving as Artistic Director for several ensembles and producing choreographies for major festivals. In the U.S., he has worked with collegiate and amateur folk groups, including the Duquesne University Tamburitzans and other Pittsburgh-based ensembles. Recognized for his dedication, Željko continues to elevate the authenticity and presentation of Croatian culture through his work.
Dimitrios Kontogiannis has been involved in traditional Greek dance since the age of 12. He danced with several groups while growing up in Greece, and participated in European dance tours. It was also at a young age that he developed a keen interest in researching the historical dances, songs, and customs of traditional Greek culture.
After moving to Canada, Dimitris began teaching Greek dance classes to both children and adults. He is now the director of the dance program at St. George’s Hellenic Community of Vancouver, and has also taught at a number of seminars in Canada and the United States, including Balkanalia. Dimitris frequently takes part in judging at FDF, and works with dance groups participating in the competition. He has produced two theatrical presentations, and his groups appear regularly at local Greek festivals and community events.
Dimitris continues to be active in researching traditional Greek dance; he is also very interested in costume research and reproduction. In both his research and his teaching, Dimitris is dedicated to doing his part to preserve traditional dances from all regions of Greece.