Melbourne’s Manasis dancers bring the spirit of Greek carnival to Oakleigh

·

By Mary Sinanidis

Manasis Dance Group in Melbourne held a vibrant Apokries celebration at Vanila Café in Oakleigh, showcasing the spirit of the Greek Carnival. 

Dimosthenis Manasis told The Greek Herald that Apokries have the opportunity to engage students of all levels “by introducing them to dances that don’t require complex choreography.”

manasis apokries
Apokries in Melbourne. All photos: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
manasis apokries
manasis apokries
manasis apokries

It isn’t just the students that were engaged by the festivities, but also the diners around Eaton Mall who were treated to some shenanigans from Greek villages like Ampelia and Kleidonia, as well as Shahino, north of Thessaloniki.

Manasis believes that understanding the origins and symbolism of these customs fosters a deeper connection to Greek culture. 

manasis apokries
manasis apokries
manasis apokries
manasis apokries

“Many of these customs adapted to Christianity and that is how they survived,” he said.

He hopes the same rings true through dances like Apokries, where the focus is less on learning the choreography and more about fun. 

manasis apokries
manasis apokries
The event catered to people of all ages.
manasis apokries
manasis apokries
manasis apokries

“The celebratory atmosphere and educational component create a sense of belonging and cultural connection for young participants,” he said, admiring the enthusiasm of his attendees and joking they were like his “personal rent-a-crowd.” 

“Going to Greece to see Apokries from up close, especially in Naoussa, is a dream for me… But I don’t want to leave them. And the dances have become a tradition for our school.” 

He may never have had the opportunity to visit Greece during carnival time but the vibrancy of his Apokries party transported those present to the birthplace of these traditions.  

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Maria and Arthur: A second generation Greek Australian love story

Maria, Arthur and I grew up together in a working-class, inner-city suburb of Melbourne. This was in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Greek series ‘Maestro in Blue’ returns for third season

Nearly two years after its debut and rise to Netflix's top 10, Maestro in Blue is set to return with its third season.

Niki Louca shares her traditional Greek recipe for halva

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for halva with The Greek Herald.

How Sarah Di Lorenzo’s pappou inspired her new cookbook ‘My Mediterranean Life’

Sarah Di Lorenzo is a wealth of knowledge regarding health and wellness. She is also a single mother of three daughters.

World Tourism Organisation lists Anogia among best villages in the world

The World Tourism Organization has named Anogia, Crete, one of the 55 best villages of the world for 2024.

You May Also Like

Alia: A new special Greek restaurant in Canberra

Alia, Canberra's newest Greek restaurant opens up on 6 March and promises to transport diners to a realm of culinary delight and family warmth.

Vasili’s Taxidi: The Incredible Successes of Greek Businesses – M & J Chickens

By Vasilis Vasilas The Greek contribution to Australia’s socio- economic post World War II development should not be underestimated; so many Greek migrants grabbed arising...

Melbourne man jailed for brutal murder of wife Kaliopi Roumeliotis

Melbourne man Joe Lo Bianco, who murdered his wife Kaliopi Roumeliotis in their garage, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.