Teaching Greeks to Dance: Kalliroi Siganou-Parren and the Lykeion ton Ellinidon

Kalliroi Siganou-Parren, a pioneer journalist, was one of the foremost Greek feminists of the 19th and early 20th century, fighting for women’s rights at a time when women could not attend University or earn a living wage. One of her most important achievements was the founding of the Lykeion ton Ellinidon in 1911, which aimed to promote Greek dance traditions, and advocate for women by placing them as the guardians of Greek identity. This presentation will explore the life and works of this remarkable, but often overlooked woman from Crete, and highlight her incredible legacy. We salute Kalliroi Siganou-Parren, the founder of the Lykeion Ellinidon, the first woman journalist of Greece, and a woman’s rights leader.

Ms. Collins is an attorney by day and a proud Hellene and member of the Boston Lykeion ton Ellinidon, which celebrated its 25 year anniversary in 2023. According to Ms. Collins, “Article three of the current constitution of the Lykeion ton Ellinidon defines as its purpose: 1. The study, scientific recording, empowerment and preservation of Greek customs and traditions within the framework of our national life, and 2. The elevation of women of Greece, ethical support to mothers and their children and the equality of the genders.” Over 100 years of the Lykeion ton Ellinidon’s national and cultural contributions later, the Lykeion has 55 branches throughout Greece and 18 chapters around the world – including the Boston Lykeion Ellinidon.