Sydney’s Lemnians enjoy annual Liberation of Lemnos Dance

On a warm evening in October, the Lemnian Association of NSW “Maroula” gathered members, families, and friends for a vibrant celebration of the Liberation of Lemnos in 1912.

The annual event, held on Saturday, October 12, was a joyful occasion filled with dancing, music, and heartfelt tributes to a significant moment in Greek history.

Arthur Velliss, the Vice President of the Lemnian Association, welcomed everyone warmly as the Master of Ceremonies. After acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land, he introduced the distinguished guests.

Among them were Sophie Cotsis MP, NSW Minister for Industrial Relations; Commodore John Stavridis of the Royal Australian Navy; and Pria Viswalingam, the mastermind behind the SBS documentary ANZAC – Lemnos 1915, which had highlighted the island’s role during the Gallipoli campaign.

The evening kicked off with a captivating performance by the newly formed Junior Lemnian Dance Group, choreographed by Amelia Magoulias. The young dancers, proudly performing for the first time, received thunderous applause from the audience, setting a lively tone for the night.

John Sentas, President of the Lemnian Association, then took to the stage to share a few words, speaking with pride about the Association’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Lemnian heritage in NSW. He was followed by committee member Elizabeth Kados, who explained the historical significance of the Liberation of Lemnos in October 1912, a pivotal moment that freed the island from Ottoman rule.

As the speeches concluded, Ms Cotsis addressed the attendees, acknowledging the enduring contributions of the Greek community in Australia and the importance of celebrating such milestones in their shared heritage.

The celebrations continued with a spectacular dance performance by Paroula’s School of Traditional and Contemporary Dance, led by Paroula Thurban and Nicole Englezios. The dancers’ skilful movements and energetic routines captivated the audience, further adding to the festive atmosphere.

At the close of the performance, the three dedicated dance teachers were called to the stage to receive flowers as a token of appreciation for their hard work and commitment to the Lemnian Association.

As the evening drew to a close, Mr Velliss thanked everyone for attending and invited them to enjoy the remaining hours with music and dancing. The sound of traditional Greek melodies filled the hall as the band played, and guests danced late into the night, celebrating their shared culture and history.

The musicians for the night were Tassos Lambrou (aka Tassos Bouzouki) on Bouzouki and Vocals, George Lambrou on the Accordion, and Peter Kokkini on Guitar and Vocals.

The Liberation of Lemnos Dance was not just a celebration but a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Lemnian community, reminding all present of the importance of honouring and preserving their heritage for generations to come.