The official opening night of the 2nd Zeibekiko Festival Australia, titled “ΕΝΝΕΑ ΟΓΔΟΑ 9/8” and held on Saturday, September 28 at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury, Sydney, was an unmissable cultural spectacle.
Curated by Sophia Ventouris, the festival is a 10-day celebration which promises a dynamic program that showcases the richness of Zeibekiko dance and music, blending traditional and contemporary elements.
The opening night featured performances by renowned artists, including Christos Shakallis, a master of Zeibekiko (Laiko), and traditionalist Yiannis Pagozidis from Greece, who enhanced the evening with their dance shows and live music.
The event was emceed by Dimitrios Kametopoulos. Pagozidis, Shakallis and Ms Ventouris all gave speeches on the night. Pagozidis and Shakallis gave insights into the history and musicality of the Zeibekiko dance.
Ms Ventouris highlighted the significance of the Zeibekiko dance, rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Asia Minor and its resilience despite historical hardships like the 1922 Catastrophe and the Pontian genocide.
The event began with a historical journey, starting in 1453 with the Fall of Constantinople, followed by a tribute to the Pontian Genocide. Over 150 dancers, including the Pontian dance group from Pontoxeniteas NSW, made a spectacular entry, accompanied by live music from two Pontian Lyra players, Pagozidis and Kostas Papoulidis from Sydney. The musical lineup also included the well-known multi-instrumentalist, Michael Platyrrahos.
The show later transitioned to a showcase of traditional Zeibekika, Karsilamathes, and Aptalika dances from Asia Minor, particularly those originating from the Greek island of Mytilini.
There were performances by various dance groups, including the Sophia Ventouris School of Greek Dance, Pontoxeniteas NSW, Sydney Sizmos, Cyprus Community of NSW Dancers, Rallis School of Greek Dance, Sydney Greek Dancing School, Mytilenian Brotherhood dance group, and Niko Vasilas with “My Zeibekiko Journey.”
The show concluded with a celebration of Zeibekiko in modern times, featuring surprises, audience participation, and an open dance floor with DJ music by Nick Miroforidis.
Non-Greek Georgia Tang attended the event for the second time this year to support her best friend who was dancing, and she told The Greek Herald it was a great night.
The full program can be viewed at Zeibekiko Festival Australia. The Greek Herald are proud media partners for this event.
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- Instagram: @zeibekiko_festival_australia
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- Website: www.zeibekikofestivalaustralia.com.au
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
