Nelly Klavdiou’s passion for Greek and Cypriot dance has been a lifelong journey, deeply rooted in her early experiences and dedication to preserving her cultural heritage. Alongside her husband, Harry, she founded the Sydney Sizmos Greek Dance Co in 2007, a venture that quickly gained popularity due to the hard work and love of their students, parents, and assistant teachers.
Nelly’s personal journey in dance began at the age of seven at Paroula Thurban Dance School, a pivotal experience she credits as the foundation of her career.
“Without her, this journey wouldn’t exist and I’m forever grateful,” Nelly tells The Greek Herald.
In 2020, Nelly and Harry took on a new challenge, returning to the Cyprus Community of NSW Dance School, despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their resilience paid off, and today, the school boasts over 120 students, continuing to grow and keeping the culture alive.
“We knew that we would come back stronger,” Nelly says, highlighting the importance of community support and the dedicated efforts of their assistant dance teachers and newly formed dance committee.
Nelly’s involvement with the Cyprus Community of NSW Dance School actually began back in 1999 when she introduced the Modern Greek dance program as part of the school’s curriculum. Although her initial journey with the school ended in 2005, nearly two decades later, Nelly found herself once again teaching the next generation of dancers.
While the primary focus remains on traditional Cypriot dance, Nelly recognised the appeal of fusing Greek dance steps with modern music, a trend that remains popular today.
“This new chapter is very rewarding,” she shares, emphasising the joy of teaching not only new students but also the children of her former students.
Today, the Cyprus Community of NSW Dance School caters to dancers of all ages, starting from as young as four years old, up to high school and university students. Nelly and her team ensure the dances taught are culturally appropriate and accurately depict Cypriot traditions.
“Our main goal is making sure the students are happy, safe, and make lifelong friendships,” Nelly explains.
The School provides more than just dance instruction; they tell the stories behind the dances, ensuring students understand the rich history and significance of Cypriot culture.
For Nelly, promoting Cypriot culture through dance is not just important, but essential.
“Promoting the Cypriot culture to the next generation is extremely important not only to Harry and I, but everyone in the Cypriot community,” she says.
“The Cypriot culture is rich in food, history, and dance. Being involved and committed to retelling this is a blessing; we don’t want to lose our roots, our Cypriot traditions, and if dance can continue this, then Harry and I know we have contributed to the children’s cultural experience.”
Looking ahead, Nelly is excited about the future of the Cyprus Community of NSW Dance School. With a strong foundation and a growing number of students, the group is well-positioned to continue its mission of preserving and promoting Cypriot culture through dance.
Nelly’s personal motto, “keep on dancing, keep on smiling,” reflects her belief in the healing power of dance and music, a sentiment she shares with all her students.
“To me, dance and music is a healing power, and I’m forever thankful for that,” Nelly concludes, embodying the spirit of dedication and passion that has guided her throughout her remarkable journey.
Find out more about the Cyprus Community of NSW Dance School at https://www.sydneysizmos.com.au/
