For the first time ever, dance groups from the Cretan Association of Sydney and Pontoxeniteas NSW performed together at the ‘Greek Legends of the 20th Century’ concert at State Theatre in Sydney.
The performance consisted of Cretan and Pontian war dances, with live music by Ari Paraskakis and Manoli Karageorgiou – the Cretan musicians, and Kosta Papoulidis, Prodromos Moysiadis and Zoe Karatasas – the Pontian musicians.
Alexandra Papoulidis choreographed the dances, while the dancers were instructed by teachers Paul Spanoudakis and Christina Iwannidou.
The history-making performance received a standing ovation from the crowd.
In a post on Facebook, the Cretan Association of NSW thanked everyone for their help to put together the remarkable performance.
“We were honoured to be included in such a memorable production where we could celebrate our Greek Legends,” the post read. “A truly a wonderful experience. “
The President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Maria Anthony also expressed her pride watching the dance groups take the stage together.
“I am extremely proud to watch the young students from both clubs get on stage and perform the way they did amongst singers and musicians who do it for a living,” she said.
“Our young people volunteer their time each week, come to dance lessons, see their friends and hold onto our traditions. This night shows that our students on stage performed with their heart and what they stand for.
“Long Live Pontos, Long Live Crete, Long Live Greece and Long Live Australia.”
