The second Zeibekiko Festival Australia will return with a bang from September 27 this year thanks to Ventouris Productions.
The festival will run from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, October 6. It will feature Greek master of Zeibekiko dance, Christos Shakallis, all the way from Cyprus, and well-respected Yiannis Pagkozidis, who will be teaching traditional forms of Zeibekiko, Aptalikous and Karsilamades dances. Mr Pagkozidis is also a specialist in Cappodician song and dance.
The festival is curated by Sophia Ventouris, a Greek dance teacher of more than 30 years in Australia.
With only seven weeks to go before the Zeibekiko Festival, an exciting program of events has been released. The Greek Herald, which is a proud media partner for the event, has all the booking details.
Friday, September 27: Zeibekiko workshop with Shakallis
An Open Class for all to join in and get a good Zeibekiko dance workout and have fun with the international dance teacher and Master of Zeibekiko, Christos Shakallis. Men and women can participate in this open introductory class. Bring your water bottle, towel and wear your dance shoes. A 2.5 hour class with breaks. Starts at 7pm. Suitable for all shapes, sizes and ages. Held at the Sydney Technical High School hall. Book here.
Saturday, September 28: Zeibekiko Festival Australia Opening Night Gala Spectacular
A journey into the Asia Minor history through music and dance. Featuring from Greece the respected Yiannis Pagozidis, specialising in Pontian and Asia Minor dances. He is also an outstanding musician and will be entertaining people on the night live, accompanied by Michael Platyrrahos and Giorgos Apostolidis.
Local dance groups will decorate the event with their talented shows around the traditions of the Zeibekiko & 9/8 rhythm. Shakallis will also perform and entertain the crowd. Held at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury from 7pm. Book here.
Sunday, September 29: The tradition of the 9/8 rhythm, Melisma Ensemble
Melisma Ensemble is a Sydney-based music group which performs Byzantine Chant and music from the art and folk traditions of Greece and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region. Dimitri Koubaroulis, founder and director of Melisma, is psaltis (chanter) and teacher of Byzantine Chant and folk music, with a special interest in the music of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Melisma will join forces with Pagozidis on Pontian Lyra and Outi to perform songs from Thrace, Asia Minor and Pontus around the 9/8 rhythm theme. The night will be enhanced by Sophia Ventouris School of Greek Dance on spotlight dance scenes, with traditional costumes worn of regions presented by the musicians. Held at the Arcadian Ashbury Recreational Club in Ashbury from 6pm. Book here.
Monday, September 30: Pontian dance workshop with Yiannis Pagozidis
The Zeibekiko Festival Australia, in collaboration with Pontoxeniteas NSW, bring to you “Pontian Dance Workshop” by Yiannis Pagozidis. He will teach Pontian dance at the Pontian House in Earlwood from 7pm. Book here.
Tuesday, October 1: Laiko-Rebetiko Zeibekiko Musical Journey at Koutouki restaurant
Join Shakallis, Pagozidis and Ms Ventouris at the well known Koutouki Greek taverna at 138 Norton St, Leichhardt. The in-house band will play live Laiko-Rebetiko Zeibekiko songs, including Tsistanis, Bithikotsis, Bellou, Vamvakaris, Dalara, Alexiou etc. Ticket includes the delectable mezzethes from Koutouki’s “NOSTIMO” kitchen, live music and the parea and a “zeibekia” from Shakallis, Pagozidis and Ms Ventouris. Starts at 7pm. Book here.
Wednesday, October 2: Songs of Pontus, Asia Minor and 9/8 Zeibekiko Rhythm at Steki restaurant
Pagozidis, along with local talents Platyrrahos and Apostolidis, will present a special selection of songs from Asia Minor and Pontus. Guest appearance from Shakallis. Held at Steki restaurant in Enmore from 7pm. Book here.
Thursday, October 3: ‘Music of our Ancestors’ – Free seminar for children and youth
Platyrrahos will be presenting traditional instruments of Greece’s musical heritage including the lyra, oud, lavta, lute and many more, for children to experience close up and listen to the sounds of the instruments. Platyrrahos and his children will demonstrate how to play each instrument. Giveaways and Zeibekiko beat music games with traditional wooden spoons from Asia Minor is also on the activity list. Held at Arcadian Ashbury Recreational Club in Ashbury from 6pm. Book here.
Thursday, October 3: Special edition Zeibekiko adult class
Sophia Ventouris School of Greek Dance will open its adult Greek dance class doors to all for a special edition Zeibekiko class with Shakallis and Pagozidis. They will be teaching traditional and modern/popular Zeibekiko, including Fokiano Zeibekiko, Kalmilieriko, Tsokme, Aivaliotiko, Vrakadiko, Aptalika Zeibekika, Karsilamathes, and more. Held at Arcadian Ashbury Recreational Club in Ashbury from 7.30pm. Book here.
Friday, October 4: Women-only Zeibekiko workshop with Shakallis
A women only workshop with Shakallis. The class will focus on popular/laiko Zeibekiko with an emphasis on steps, stance, figures, speed, movement and hand positions. Aptaliko zeibekiko and Karsilama will also be taught as they belong in the Zeibekiko family of dances. Held at the Sydney Technical High School hall from 6pm. Book here.
Friday, October 4: Men-only Zeibekiko workshop with Shakallis
Popular/Laiko Zeibekiko for men only, teaching “figoures,” “xtipimata – hits,” tricks and male orientated moves. Taught by Shakallis. Held at the Sydney Technical High School hall from 8pm. Book here.
Saturday, October 5: Dance workshop – Zeibekiko, Asia Minor, Pontos
In this ‘All-day Workshop’ from 12pm to 5pm, people will enjoy a jam packed program learning at least 10 types of Zeibekiko traditional dances; 10 dances from Asia Minor including dances from Meli, Erythrea, Kessaria, Kappadokia, Smyrni, Constantinopole etc.; 10 dances from Pontus; and laiko/popular Zeibekiko. There will be a lunch break with plates of souvlaki with chips and salad provided to each person by Messinia Catering. Classes will be taught by Shakallis and Pagozidis. Held at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury from 12pm. Book here.
Sunday, October 6: Zeibekiko Workshops with Shakallis in Melbourne
Shakallis will be in Melbourne, Victoria for workshops for one day only on Sunday, October 6. Session 1: 12-2pm Beginners – Intermediate. Session 2: 2-4pm Intermediate and beyond. Popular/Laiko Zeibekiko dance focus. Held at the Melbourne Dance Centre in Brunswick. Book here.
Sunday, October 6: Estudiantina of Melbourne Rebetiko
The final event of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia will be held in Melbourne at the Brunswick Ballroom from 7pm on Sunday, October 6. The very talented band Estudiantina of Melbourne led by Con Kalamaras will be in concert with Shakallis dance show. Book here.
If you wish to be a sponsor of this event, or contribute as a performer, business partner or volunteer please call Sophia Ventouris on 0413 114 930. The Greek Herald are proud media partners for this event.
Follow the Zeibekiko Festival Australia:
- Instagram: @zeibekiko_festival_australia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeibekikoFestivalAustralia/
- Website: www.zeibekikofestivalaustralia.com.au
