By Fotini Michalopoulos, Vice President, Anemones
We recently celebrated the remarkable journey of the Greek Women of the Northern Suburbs and our beloved dance group, Anemones. This gathering marked not only a milestone in years but a celebration of vision, dedication, and cultural pride.
Founded in the year 2000, the Association of Greek Women of the Northern Suburbs was born from a simple yet powerful idea – an idea envisioned by Vasso Farais and Maro Kallifatidis, whose passion for community led to the creation of the dance group Anemones. Their initiative was not only embraced but has flourished.
The group’s name, Anemones, inspired by the delicate yet resilient flower, symbolises the spirit of the women who brought it to life. These flowers grow in all regions of Greece and across the globe making the colourful emblem a fitting representation of the members who themselves have blossomed and today represent a diverse range of ethnicities and ages.
The journey began with a humble afternoon tea on November 19th, 2000, hosted at the home of Mrs Kallifatidis. This event was aimed at raising funds to create the Association’s seal and was a wonderful success.
It featured a moving address by the esteemed poet Charalambos Kandiliotis, who spoke on the struggles of the Greek immigrant woman – an experience that resonates deeply with many in our community.
From these beginnings, the Anemones dance group grew. A vibrant ensemble of mature Greek women came together to learn traditional dances, not only for physical and mental wellbeing but also to preserve and promote Hellenic heritage.
Their first public performance took place on August 2nd, 2001, at the Multicultural Music Festival hosted by Preston City Council at the Town Hall. Dressed in the proud blue and white of the Greek flag, they delighted audiences with dances from every corner of Greece.
Over the years, the Anemones have graced numerous stages – from the Antipodes Festival to the Athens Olympic celebrations in 2004, where they performed at Melbourne Town Hall in the presence of Mayor John So, the Consul General of Greece and distinguished guests.
Their commitment to community service has been equally inspiring. In January 2007, Anemones received the City of Darebin’s Community Group of the Year award in recognition of their contributions to multiculturalism and their voluntary performances in Melbourne’s nursing homes.
Indeed, their impact extends far beyond the stage. Each year, the Anemones bring joy to residents in many Greek and non-Greek aged care facilities across Victoria. The Anemones pride themselves on the joy and happiness they bring to the residents and staff of the nursing homes through their regular visits to perform traditional Greek songs, national anthems and dances. The colourful costumes and enthusiastic performances are a highlight for the residents who clap and sing along as fond memories are triggered. Requests for regular visits, every week if possible, are made regularly.
These performances provide a level of connection with the elderly community, boosting their mood, allowing them to reminisce, reducing stress and getting them moving as well.
The group proudly participate in Greek national day celebrations on March 25th and October 28th and have been doing so for over 22 years! Parading with pride and reverence to their ancestors, the Greek heroes and freedom fighters.
Wearing traditional costumes and marching with their school aged grandchildren in a sea of blue and white, proudly waving the Greek and Australian flags deepens the emotional connection of such a day. President Nola Radiotis and members of Anemones feature prominently in the Greek media coverage of such events.
The Community Engagement has deepened and grown with Anemones supporting other local groups, cultural events and Hellenic associations. These include:
- The Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria, annual May Day and International Women’s Day celebrations.
- The Spectrum Northern Federation of Ethnic Senior Citizens Clubs forums and festivals.
A special tribute was made at our International Women’s Day event this year to honour the founding president of The Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria, Sofia Mastoris OAM, also a long-term member of Anemones. Sofia’s vision for equality and representation of Hellenic Women in Australia aligns with the purpose of Anemones.
Nola had been invited by the Dance and Roll Wheelchair Dance Group, the City of Darebin’s Community Group of the Year for 2022, to teach the group Greek dances. Nola happily accepted the invitation and set to work curating a transformative dance program to transport the wheelchair dancers on a cultural journey through Greece and give them a taste of the diverse dance styles from the different regions.
Nola was invited back to deliver a second dance lesson, this time she was accompanied by other Anemones members who assisted with the class and guided the participants.
The dance routines were adapted to the needs of the group with an emphasis on expression and hand gestures to relay the meaning and feeling of each piece of music.
With creativity and adaptation, these workshops highlighted the reach of music to bring together groups with different needs and abilities for an enjoyable experience.
The Anemones 23rd Anniversary celebration featured performances by the Niruththa Fine Arts and Shanti Traditional Indian Dance groups. The performance of the Indian folk dances in vibrant costumes and musical jewellery was especially delightful as the event coincided with the Diwali Festival. Watching storytelling through dance was powerful and a reminder that such art forms overcome language barriers and provide common experiences for different cultural groups.
My early engagement with Anemones was as my mother’s chauffeur to the weekly dance lessons and events throughout the year. Anemones has a very extensive events calendar, so I was kept busy. I saw the group as my mother’s space to socialise with friends, exercise in a fun way and participate in excursions and events around Melbourne and beyond.
Fast forward a handful of years and the group has transitioned to one where multiple generations and family groups are engaged. Our Community Liaison Committee Member Dina Dimos is joined at the weekly lessons by her daughter Maria. They proudly participate while their grandson and son Tim instructs the class and shares his passion for music, traditional instruments and dance.
I have connected and bonded with these ladies and really enjoy the energy, authenticity, warmth and ‘good vibe’ they bring. I think it may be one of the unique strengths (even a superpower) of grandmothers. I see how hard the Committee, led by Nola, seek out events that get the ladies out and about, keep them informed on topics relevant to them as mature women, see them participating in and enjoying festivals and importantly offering an alternative to an isolated life.
I have experienced Anemones as a supportive group of women genuinely interested in each other’s wellbeing. The weekly gatherings see milestone birthdays and name days celebrated, the achievements of grandchildren shared proudly, fond send-offs for those travelling and delighted welcomes when they return. Wishes for a speedy recovery and successful outcomes are sent to those unwell or undergoing medical procedures, letting them know they are thought of and missed. Their return in good health eagerly awaited.
Our message is simple yet profound: “Let us keep dancing.” Dance is not merely movement – it is joy, it is connection, and it is healing.”
