Hellenic Ballet

The Hellenic Ballet (Ελληνικό Χορόδραμα) was an artistic and non-profit association founded in January 1951 by Rallou Manou with the aim of utilizing the choreographic, musical, and costume elements of Greek tradition to create a distinctive and pioneering Greek theatrical art, and to promote Greece through this art.

Throughout its history, the Hellenic Ballet staged numerous notable productions. These included “Orestes” (1974 and 1975), which was performed at both the Herodes Atticus Odeon in Athens and the archaeological site of Eleusis, with music by Maurice Ohana and choreography by Rallou Manou. Another significant production was “The Cursed Serpent” (1951), featuring music by Manos Hadjidakis and set design by Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, performed at Lake Vouliagmeni. The group also presented “Erofili” (1958) with music by Mikis Theodorakis and set design by Yiannis Moralis, at the Rotunda of St. George in Thessaloniki. Additionally, “Medea” (1958, 1978), choreographed by Manou, was another standout production, featuring the music of Samuel Barber, with performances at the archaeological site of Eleusis.

A documentary on the Hellenic Ballet and its founder, Rallou Manou, is available in the archives of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation. You can access it here.

Source: Wikipedia & ELIA