Tzoumerka is a vast mountainous region with both mountain and semi-mountain communities, forming a mosaic of musical and dance patterns. Despite its internal differences (Aromanian-speaking and non-Aromanian communities), the Tzoumerka region constitutes a human-geographical unity, which today is strongly reflected in the social memory and collective consciousness of Tzoumerkiotes everywhere.

It is certain that Tzoumerka has a long-standing tradition of vocal music, though it is now difficult to fully trace its history. Most communities keep group singing alive, especially through the kagkelaria dances, even though these now often take the form of staged representations.

In contrast to purely vocal traditions, festivals with musical instruments continue to thrive and evolve, as they remain central events during the summer gatherings of the community members.

The workshop will cover representative dances from various communities, reflecting their interactions across time and space.

Nikos Nousias was born and resides in Ioannina.

He holds a degree from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (TEFAA) of Democritus University of Thrace (1990). He has a good command of English and holds ECDL certifications in computer skills.

• Since 1992, he has been teaching traditional dances at cultural associations in the Ioannina region.
• Since 1998, he has been teaching traditional dance classes at the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Ioannina.
• He has taught at traditional dance seminars in Ioannina, Katerini, Grevena, Serres, and other cities across Greece.
• He has worked as a substitute teacher in both primary and secondary education.
• In 2004, in collaboration with the Cultural Association of Karitsa (Ioannina), he published a book accompanied by two CDs, documenting the history, folklore, and songs of the area.
• In 2009, in collaboration with the Ioannina Senior Citizens’ Centers (KAPI), he published a book with three CDs featuring carnival songs from Ioannina along with historical information.
• He has actively participated in the revival of local customs and traditions in the broader area, aiming at their preservation.
• For the past eight years, he has been working with the Matsouki Cultural Association’s traditional dance department, where, through a collective effort, they promote the village’s dances, songs, and customs.
• He also collaborates with the Klimatia (Veltsista) Cultural Association, with which they have organized 10 traditional dance festivals.
• He has appeared in numerous television programs, most recently in the show Ellinon Dromena, focusing on the mourning song “Moiroloi of Mariola” from Veltsista.