This month Greek dance teacher and choreographer Nick Papaefthimiou will present a free lecture at the Greek Centre delving into the maintenance of Greek cultural traditions and the teaching of folk dancing in the diaspora.
During the lecture, a number of questions will be explored:
- How do second, third and fourth generation Greeks living in the diaspora without lived experiences, experience a deep connection to their culture and develop a Greek cultural identity?
- What is evolution and what is dilution of our culture?
- How should teaching of dance in the diaspora differ from teaching in the homeland?
- What teaching methodologies should be employed which will foster a better understanding of the role of both Greek dancing and the dance teacher in the maintenance of our cultural heritage?
- Do we want our next generations to understand and reflect the true essence of our folk culture or have the depth of a meme or slogan on a t-shirt?
WHAT’S ON Guide: Greek-inspired events across Australia, 8 August onward
Born in Australia, Mr Papaefthimiou is the child of migrants who ventured Down Under from northern Greece post-war. Involved in folk dancing from a very young age, his interest led him into teaching and organising events while still in his teens.
Over the years he has regularly visited Greece, during which he has collected authentic traditional folk costumes and musical instruments from various regions, learning dance steps of various styles, collecting old musical recordings and making his own field recordings.
His driving passion is to preserve the rich Greek cultural heritage in Melbourne and Victoria, and to share it with other communities and the general public.
Hosted as part of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s History and Culture Seminar Series, it will be a particularly special presentation, given in honour of the late Rozalyn (Roz) Nicolaou, a Senior Scientist from St Vincent’s Pathology and an active member of the Australian Messinian community.
When: Thursday 15 August at 7.00 pm
Where: Greek Centre (Mezz, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC)
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