Asimina Chremos is a solo dance artist residing in Chicago since 1997. As a dancer and choreographer, she is currently focused on improvisation as a performance form. Chremos’ recent works have examined the Greek solo dance form, Zembekiko, as well as the relationship of improvised music to dance.

CDF funds supported the research, creation and presentation of Zeibekika in January 2006. Zeibekika was an-evening-length piece that brought real and imagined Greek ancestral memories to life. Notable research activities included a visit to the Dora Stratou Folk Dancers in Athens, Greece, creating a relationship with the Orpheus Hellenic Dance Troupe in the Chicago suburbs, reading texts on modern Greek history, music listening, and internet and interview-based research on the zembekiko.

Chremos formed an ensemble of nine performers, including Greek-American sax player David Rempis and vocalist Carol Genetti. Dancers of Same Planet Different World company and dance soloist Julieann Graham were asked to join the cast. A warehouse space was secured as a venue for the project, and the space was set up as a “taverna,” with tables and chairs surrounding a round stage built by Jon Pope. Greek snacks and coffee were served by Gold’n’Pear catering. Chris Wooten created a lighting plot. Linda Solotaire provided marketing support. The project was hailed by the Chicago-Sun Times as “a fascinating new hourlong but centuries-deep dance-theater piece exploring her Greek heritage.” The project also placed Asimina in the public eye as a Greek-American, helping her to create new relationships and projects with entities such as the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center, and Greek-American poet/performer Angela Kariotis.

A new version of Zeibekika, called Zeibekika/Paraphrased, was mounted at the Hellenic American Academy in Deerfield, IL in March of 2007.