Dayton, Ohio

1994 Honor Dancers John & Carole Pappas

John and Carole have been leaders in the Miami Valley Folk Dancers (MVFD) since 1974. Since that time, John has been the chairman of the MVFD council more than any other member (at least four times) and Carole has been chairman three times. In addition, each has been chairman of the program committee, John at least three times and Carole once. John has also served as vice chairman twice, secretary, and member at large. Carole has been secretary and vice chairman and both have been representatives for MVFD on the Miami Valley Dance Council. John has been the group's tape chairperson since the position was established, served as promotion chairman for two years, has written many articles for "Miami Valley Dance News," and has taught folk dances for the group since 1975. Under John's urging, while chairman of MVFD, some methods of operation were changed to include a request board from the members of MVFD, the inclusion of more non-partner dances, and the use of tapes in addition to records as a source of dances. These changes helped MVFD grow in numbers and contributed to a greater selection of and satisfaction with the dances performed by the group. Both have been active in demonstrations throughout the Miami Valley. Since 1976, they have chaired over 15 folk dance workshops bringing to the Miami Valley experts of dance from around the world. These workshops have included dances from, Greece, Armenia, Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Romania, Hungary, Israel, Africa, Croatia, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Slovenia.

For over 15 years John has been a key member of Dayton International Fair Inc. (DIFI), the sponsor of 'The World A 'Fair". He was the first president (1979 and 1980) of DIFI after it became incorporated and has been active in The World A 'Fair since then. He also served as chairman of the bylaws and constitution committee of the organization prior to incorporation.

As president of the Yugoslav Club of Greater Dayton (at least two times), John started the annual kolo party that has now continued for 11 years. This is an ethnic dance party with live orchestras from Columbus, Detroit, and/or Cleveland.

As a choreographer for the Zivio Dancers, he proposed and planned two joint concerts sponsored by CityFolk, one with a Bulgarian folk dance group from Toledo and one with a Slovenian folk dance group from Canada. Also at their instigation, Zivio had a tour of Yugoslavia in 1987 taking 87 Daytonians with them.

Since 1989, John has been teaching Balkan folk dance each fall at Burkhardt Center.

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