RECOGNITION & CERTIFICATION

Recognition & Awards at the Figoura School of Greek Dance

At the Figoura School of Greek Dance, we believe that every student’s journey is unique. Our approach to recognition celebrates not only technical ability, but also effort, progress, and the values that are at the heart of Greek dance: community, expression, and joy.

The Figoura School of Greek Dance takes dancing seriously, however, we also know that for many of the students it is a fun and social activity that they come to enjoy and allows them to feel comfortable to take part in events and social gatherings. Therefore, not everyone that comes to our dance school is looking to gain a formal qualification, unless of course its important to your own goals and personal development or perhaps you may be considering to teach in the future.

In the field of folk dance, and Greek dance in particular, experience, lineage, and demonstrated knowledge generally hold good weight not to mention recognition from a network of other well established instructors. A long-standing involvement with Greek dance, combined with extensive teaching experience, already places you in a good position.

That said, if you would like formal recognition specifically related to Greek dance, there are a number of established pathways you may wish to consider:

Dora Stratou Theatre (Athens, Greece)

The Dora Stratou Theatre is internationally respected for its work in Greek traditional dance. Certificates, seminars, and documented training from this institution are widely acknowledged within Greek dance communities and carry cultural credibility rather than purely academic weight. Its work is also connected to the broader international dance network through links with organisations such as the Conseil International de la Danse (CID), a UNESCO-affiliated body. As a result, training and participation in programmes at Dora Stratou are often viewed as aligning with internationally recognised standards in dance research, preservation, and education, further strengthening their standing within both Greek and global dance circles.

Formal academic route (Greece)

The most structured qualification is a Physical Education (PE) teaching degree with a specialisation in Greek Folk Dance, offered by universities in Greece e.g. TEFAA (Department of Physical Education and Sports Science). This is a long-term and intensive route, but it can be followed by postgraduate research and even a doctorate if academic study and ethnographic research are of interest.

Work with established instructors and researchers

Another recognised pathway is through long-term engagement with experienced Greek dance instructors and researchers, many of whom deliver seminars as an extension of their fieldwork and study. While there are many seminars available, it is important to distinguish between those aimed at dance instructors and those designed for general participants. Instructor-level seminars tend to explore greater depth and specificity, often addressing questions that experienced teachers will seek out - such as regional variations, stylistic nuances, and teaching methodology - and they typically move at a much faster pace than general classes.

For most practitioners, teaching workshops or community-based classes, however, formal qualifications are rarely required, and reputation, technique, and teaching ability remain the most valued aspects.

The Figoura School of Greek Dance offers students recognition through two types of certification:

1. Participation Certification

A local certification issued by the dance school that recognises your effort, progress, and values and is your starting point that leads you into the International Certification.

2. International Certification

Elevate your Dance Education with Global Recognition through our dance school. Students have the opportunity to gain the International Certification of Dance Studies - an official title recognised worldwide.

This certification is awarded by the International Dance Council (CID), the only global organisation for dance, and provides students with formal recognition of their training beyond the studio.

If recognition and certification interests you, we recommend taking some time to read through the pages of this section of the website to find out more about both these recognition schemes, the method in which the awards are given and the World Festival of Dance.

Participation certificate for Greek Dancing at Figoura

Sample Participation Certificate

CID Certification at Figoura Greek Dancing

International Certificate for Greek Dancing at Figoura

Sample CID Certificate

CID Membership Confirmation

REGISTRATION: 44535