Pontoxeniteas NSW hosted a memorable and heartwarming annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 26 at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba.
The evening was a joyous celebration of Pontian heritage, honouring those who continue to preserve and pass on the traditions of Pontian culture to younger generations.
Master of ceremonies Evalena Chilas opened the evening with a warm welcome, offering greetings for those celebrating St. Demetrios.
Pontoxeniteas NSW’s Junior, Intermediate, and Senior dance groups showcased their talent and dedication, led by dance teachers Christina Iwannidou and Alexandra Delis Papoulidis, accompanied by youth musicians Kosta Papoulidis and Prodromos Moysiadis.
In a touching moment, the Junior and Intermediate dance groups invited their parents and grandparents to join them on the dancefloor. Witnessing three and four generations dancing together was a beautiful reminder of the strong cultural bonds that connect the Pontian community.
This year, the Pontoxeniteas NSW Committee also honoured two exceptional women, Ms Iwannidou and Mrs Papoulidis, who volunteer their time to teach and inspire youth. Their dedication to preserving Pontian dance and culture was recognised with awards for their outstanding commitment and mentorship to the students.
The evening was a full house, featuring delicious dishes by Chef Aris Chatzigeorgiou, lively music by DJ Harry Apostolodis, and traditional Pontian music performed by Eric Fotiadis, Chris Skenderidis, Kosta Papoulidis, Peter Tsenkas, and Prodromos Moysiadis.
The event brought together representatives from various associations, including Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia President Esta Paschalidis-Chilas, Panagia Soumela Sydney President Peter Papoulidis, Diogenes Wollongong representative Olga Seteridis, and other Greek community leaders.
President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Maria Anthony, expressed her appreciation for everyone in attendance. She highlighted how wonderful it was to see third and fourth generations sharing the dancefloor, a testament to the enduring legacy and strong sense of community within the Pontian diaspora.
The Pontoxeniteas Annual Dinner Dance was a resounding success, celebrating the vibrancy of Pontian culture, the spirit of community, and the shared legacy that brings generations together.
