Greek Australian Michael ‘Triki’ Trikilis on discovering his passion for breakdancing in Greece

·

Michael ‘Triki’ Trikilis is a fixture in the Northern Territory’s breakdancing scene.

He recently spoke with the ABC’s Miranda Tetlow about spending his childhood between Darwin and Kalymnos, being hit by 18,000 bolts of lightning, and discovering his passion for break dancing.  

Triki was born in Karama, Darwin, and moved to Greece with his mum and extended family at just seven-years-old. 

He describes Kalymnos as “a really beautiful jail” but admits it taught him some hard lessons early on in life. 

“I felt like my personality, especially being born in Darwin in Australia, was a bit too colourful… a bit too unique for everyone in Kalymnos,” he says.

“When I moved to Greece, I didn’t know how to speak much Greek,” he says, explaining that he “got a… bit of racism too, being the only non-Greek speaking kid there….”

“I didn’t really understand why I was viewed differently, even though I looked and behaved the same, I just didn’t understand the language.”  

Breakdancing was Triki’s lifeline during his time in Greece. 

He first came across the Olympic sport while on a school trip in Athens. 

He says he was blown away by the diversity and multiculturalism within the circle and noted it was “very foreign to everybody [else] but pretty familiar to me”. 

He introduced themselves to the group and the rest was history. 

He says he and his friends rose to the ranks of some of Greece’s best breakdancers in competitions that were held between 30 and 40 schools across twelve islands, including Kalymnos. 

“It was the first time my principal ever looked like he was that proud of me at school,” he says.  

“I was normally the kid that got in trouble and then we brought in a Panhellenic trophy that was silver that didn’t fit in the trophy cabinet at the school.” 

“There’s so much freedom in [break-dancing],” he tells ABC’s Late Lunch.

“You can be happy, angry, funny, you can be anything.” 

“It’s like your superhero [or] supervillain identity.” 

Source: ABC Radio

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Alpha restaurant to host centenary celebration honouring Mikis Theodorakis

On Sunday, August 24 at 12pm, Alpha restaurant will host 'Centenary Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis' featuring the Australian Hellenic Choir.

Phlavour Revolution: Greek duo deliver home-cooked goodness to your doorstep

The duo behind restaurant Bahari in Richmond have recently launched a new venture, called Phlavour, ‘Mediterranean Ready Meals.’

Webinar for Greeks abroad tackles key tax issues and draws hundreds

The first TaxWebinar dedicated exclusively to Greeks abroad and tax residents of other countries was held on Wednesday, July 9.

From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

Loverdos has confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country.

‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

Ange Postecoglou sat down with The Greek Herald to reflect on his philosophy and his cultural heritage. Read the interview here.

You May Also Like

Join the festive tradition and learn Greek New Year’s Kalanda

Children go from door-to-door singing carols in order to wish people "Καλή Χρονιά" (Happy New Year) and are rewarded with sweets or coins.

SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras pledges to legalise same-sex marriage in Greece

Alexis Tsipras promised that if he wins in the general election, he will make same-sex marriage with full parental rights legal.

On This Day in 1821: The Battle of Gravia Inn

The Battle of Gravia Inn was fought between Greek revolutionary fighters and the Ottoman Empire in 1821.