Athan Karras(1927-2010)

Athan Karras was born in Greece and performed with the Parthenon Dancers, one of the premier Greek Folk Dance troops. After moving to the United States Karras introduced Greek folkdance to the American public. He ran a folkdance café called The Intersection where he and other taught Greek dancing two nights a week. The rest of the week was dedicated to dances of other ethnic groups. This little bit of the old country had a patio, a mezzanine and a restaurant supervised by Karras that turned out some of the better Greek food in the Los Angeles area. Good enough to draw the likes of Telly Savalas and his brother.

In addition Karras has been involved with Dora Stratou Greek Dance Theatre and Foundation; AMAN Folk Ensemble; an Advisor and Director of the Folk Dance Programs for the California Traditional Musical Society and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the California Traditional Musical Society

In early 2010 Athan Karras had coronary bypass surgery. Unfortunately Mr. Karras passed away surrounded by family at home in Tarzana, CA. on February 12th, 2010. Mr. Karras is survived by Jeannie Karras, wife; three children Eleni, George and Daphne Byers from his previous marriage, his brother Gus and three grandchildren. Mr. Karras left a folk dance legacy where he taught and touched thousands of lives. Mr. Karras was 82 years old.