Pontoxeniteas NSW held its annual dance on Saturday, September 17 at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba, Sydney.
The sold-out event was attended by a number of official guests including Father Sotiri from the Transfiguration of our Lord Greek Orthodox Church in Earlwood; Kaliope Diamandis and William Jennings on behalf of the Honourable Reverend Fred Nile MLC; David David from the Assyrian National Council; Peter Stefanidis, President of the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia; Maria Anthony, President of Pontoxeniteas NSW; Peter Papoulidis, President of Panagia Soumela Sydney; Nick Chrissostomidis, President of Diogenes Wollongong; and Angela Triandafilou, President of the Pontian Association of Canberra; among many others.
The night began with a blessing by Father Sotiri followed by a speech from Pontoxeniteas NSW President, Ms Anthony.
In her speech, Ms Anthony congratulated the teachers, students, parents and grandparents for attending dance lessons each week and for remaining committed to learning Pontian cultural dances.
Ms Anthony then presented plaques to members of the Assyrian National Council Australia, the Armenian National Committee of Australia and Mr Nile for their continuous support of the Pontian community in Australia.
On the night, the Association was also kindly donated a hand-drawn picture of Panagia Soumela Monastery by Katerina Paliatseas Apostolidis, which was auctioned off.
After the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a dinner cooked by Pontian chef Aris Chatzigeorgiou and watched dancing performances by Pontoxeniteas’ junior and intermediate dancing groups. They were taught by Alexandra Papoulidis and Kosta Papoulidis.
The senior dancing group also performed with the help of their dancing teacher, Christina Ioannidou.
Following these performances, everyone was encouraged to hit the dancefloor and enjoy some live music by Efthimi Avgetidis and Mr Papoulidis on the lyra, Peter Tsenkas and Prodomos Moysiadis on the daouli, and Alexander Mountakis on the Cretan loutro.
Deejay Harry Apostolidis also played some tunes on the night and had everyone out of their seats and dancing the night away.
