Opening night for the 2nd Zeibekiko Festival Australia promises a spectacular cultural experience

The official opening night of the 2^nd Zeibekiko Festival Australia, titled “ΕΝΝΕΑ ΟΓΔΟΑ 9/8,” is set to be an unmissable cultural spectacle on Saturday, September 28 at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury, Sydney.

Curated by Sophia Ventouris, the festival promises a dynamic program that showcases the richness of Zeibekiko dance and music, blending traditional and contemporary elements.

Ms Ventouris invites the entire community to join in this grand celebration. 

“I am most importantly thrilled that many local dance groups have accepted to be part of this grand and for me, historical night,” Sophia tells The Greek Herald. 

“I want to work more with local talent in Australia. We have so much wealth of talented musicians and dancers, and through the Zeibekiko and Greek Dance Festival, we provide open doors for anybody in the arts to express themselves.”

The opening night will feature performances by renowned artists, including Christos Shakallis, a master of Zeibekiko (Laiko), and traditionalist Yiannis Pagozidis from Greece, who will enhance the evening with their dance shows and live music. 

The event will begin 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, will make a spectacular entry, accompanied by live music from two Pontian Lyra players, Pagozidis and Giorgos Apostolidis from Sydney. The musical lineup also includes the well-known multi-instrumentalist, Michael Platyrrahos.

The show will then transition to a showcase of traditional Zeibekika, Karsilamathes, and Aptalika dances from Asia Minor, particularly those originating from the Greek island of Mytilini. The Mytilenian House in Canterbury was chosen as the venue of the opening night for its historical significance, as many Hellenes who fled Asia Minor during the 1922 catastrophe landed in Mytilini. 

The show will conclude with a celebration of Zeibekiko in modern times, featuring surprises, audience participation, and an open dance floor with DJ music by Nick Miroforidis.

Ms Ventouris expressed her gratitude to Peter Psomas, President of the Mytilenian Brotherhood of NSW, for his hospitality. She also thanked Maria Anthony, the President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, and their dance teacher Christina for their support in joining the festival. 

Reflecting on last year’s event, Ms Ventouris said, “The atmosphere at our ‘Zeibekika tou Ellinikou Kinimatografou’ night was electrifying! Dancers and all attendees had so much kefi and fun. I remember the room buzzing with success. This event is bigger, and we have a few more groups on board, so I can feel the vibe will be very high.”

The official opening night will feature performances by various dance groups, including the Sophia Ventouris School of Greek Dance, Pontoxeniteas NSW, Rythmos dancers, Sydney Sizmos, Cyprus Community of NSW Dancers, Rallis School of Greek Dance, Sydney Greek Dancing School, Mytilenian Brotherhood dance group, Greek Dance Rhythms, Adult Greek Dance School (Sophia Ventouris), and Niko Vasilas with “My Zeibekiko Journey.” Live music will be provided by Platyrrahos, Apostolidis, and Pagozidis on outi and lyra.

The 2nd Zeibekiko Festival Australia is a 10-day celebration featuring various events and dance workshops centered around Zeibekiko culture. The festival will include traditional and modern Zeibekiko workshops, events honouring tradition, teaching history, and celebrating Zeibekiko in its contemporary form.

Tickets for the official opening night are available at TryBooking, and the full program can be viewed at Zeibekiko Festival Australia. For further assistance or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ms Ventouris at 0413 114 930. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary cultural experience! The Greek Herald are proud media partners for this event.

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• Website: www.zeibekikofestivalaustralia.com.au