International travelers almost always experience the Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theater at one of their open-air performances in central Athens. It’s the single most authentic way to enjoy Greek dance in Athens: The group has an inventory of more than 2,000 handmade costumes from around the country.
The performance schedule isn’t entirely regular, so it’s worth booking tickets online to ensure there’s a show on the night you want. Keen dancers might want to join a tour that includes a dance class before the show or book a package with transfers to avoid navigating Athens after dark. Some Athens passes include discounted or free entry to the shows.
The Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theater is a must for lovers of dance and folklore.
This is an open-air theater, so performances may be canceled in case of rain. Phone ahead if the weather is wet.
The Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theater is accessible with a stroller, but not for travelers who rely on wheelchairs.
The Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theater is located in the heart of Athens, opposite the Acropolis on the far side of Philopappos Hill. It’s an easy walk from the main ancient attractions and Syntagma Square. Alternatively, walk 15 minutes from the Acropolis metro station (line 2) or 10 minutes from Petralona (line 1).
The Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theater operates during the summer season only, typically from late May or early June until some point in September. Performances generally run Wednesday through Sunday, with one show per night at varying time slots. As the theater does close for special events, it’s worth booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
A trained singer and passionate amateur musician from a wealthy Athenian family, Dora Stratou founded the Greek Dances Theater in 1953 when there were very few dance groups in Greece. Her aim was to capture and preserve the many different dance and song traditions from villages around the country, as she believed that folk dance showed how Greek culture had endured since ancient Athens.
