Athan Karras, a renowned figure in the world of Greek folk dance, was born in Greece and began his illustrious career performing with the esteemed ParthenonDancers, one of the premier Greek Folk Dance troops.
After relocating to the United States, Karras took it upon himself to introduce Greek folk dance to the American public, and he did so in a unique and captivating way. He ran a folkdance café called The Intersection, where he and other talented instructors taught Greek dancing two nights a week. The rest of the week was dedicated to showcasing the dances of other ethnic groups, creating a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.
This charming establishment, which featured a patio, mezzanine, and restaurant, was supervised by Karras himself and served up some of the best Greek cuisine in the Los Angeles area. The café's popularity was evident, as it attracted the likes of Telly Savalas and his brother.
Throughout his illustrious career, Karras was involved with several notable organizations, including Dora Stratou Greek Dance Theatre and Foundation, AMAN Folk Ensemble, and the California Traditional Musical Society. He served as an Advisor and Director of the Folk Dance Programs for the latter organization and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the same.
Sadly, Athan Karras's life was cut short when he passed away on February 12th, 2010, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family at home in Tarzana, CA. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie Karras; his three children, Eleni, George, and Daphne Byers, from his previous marriage; his brother, Gus; and three grandchildren.
Despite his untimely passing, Athan Karras left behind a lasting legacy in the world of folk dance, having taught and touched the lives of thousands of people throughout his remarkable career.
