A Greek-based duo will be visiting the Oceania region in the next few weeks offering Cretan dance workshops thanks to a Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand initiative.
The Federation was keen to get people dancing again following two years of lockdowns.
“Following on from the Covid-19 lockdowns during 2020 and 2021, the Federation felt it was imperative to find a way to assist its constituent member organisations in revitalising the interest of our younger generation to come back to Cretan dancing. Sifis Viglakis and Eleftheria Manioudakis’ presence will most certainly assist in this area,” the Federation said in a statement.
Visiting teachers Sifis Viglakis and Eleftheria Manioudakis were both born in Chania and are members of the Traditional Viglatores Group.
Viglakis is in fact a founding member of the Viglatores Association which numbers today over 200 members and branches in Alikianos, Kalamaki, Platanias, Chania, Mournies, Akrotiri and Neo Xorio Apokoronas.
Since its inception in 2009, he has led the Viglatores Association to tours in Europe, America and Oceania.
Manioudakis, a primary school educator and member of the Traditional Viglatores Association since 2009, has travelled with the group in overseas tours performing in Germany, Cyprus and the United States of America.
The tour program is as follows:
Wellington, New Zealand: Thursday 9 February – Sunday 12 February
Sydney, New South Wales: Monday 13 February – Friday 17 February,
Brisbane, Queensland: Saturday 18 February – Tuesday 21 February
Melbourne, Victoria: Wednesday 22 February – Monday 27 February
Hobart, Tasmania: Tuesday 28 February – Friday 3 March
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: Saturday 4 March – Monday 6 March
Darwin, Northern Territory: Tuesday 7 March – Saturday 11 March
The Federation’s President Tony Tsourdalakis expressed gratitude to the Governor of the Region of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis for helping fund the initiative.
The visiting teacher program comes in the aftermath of the Federation’s recent 41st National Convention which gathered together over 140 dancers from across Australia.
Hellenic youth across Australia and New Zealand are encouraged to reach out to their respective associations and communities and register their participation.
All are welcome to attend, with no requirement to be of Cretan background.
Further seminars in schools or private premises can be organised with the teachers upon request.
For further information contact the Federation via email at admin@cretan.com.au or contact the President directly at president@cretan.com.au
