The Zeibekiko Festival Australia is gearing up to spread its wealth to Melbourne for an epic conclusion following an extremely successful showing in Sydney.
The second edition of the festival has proven to be quite a success with numerous sell-outs in its workshops and special events thus far in Sydney, with it now preparing to continue spreading the wonders of zeibekiko dancing to Melbourne this coming Sunday (6 October).
The events include with two zeibekiko dance workshops at the Melbourne Dance Centre (12-2pm, 2-4pm) and a Rembetika and Smyrneika show performed by the band Estudiantina of Melbourne, led by Con Kalamaras.
The concert wraps up the program with a grand display at the Brunswick Ballroom at 7pm, and will also feature the talents of Cypriot Zeibekiko expert Christos Shakallis as well as Rhythmos dancers from Sydney.
Sophia Ventouris, curator of the festival, said that everyone is very excited for the Melbourne events.
“There have already been a number of people who have bought tickets to the Melbourne workshop which is really encouraging,” Ventouris told Neos Kosmos while expressing optimism that it will be another sell-out event like many have been in Sydney.
“I am especially looking forward to being at the Brunswick Ballroom and working with Con Kalamaras…We will be inviting the crowd to also join us in dancing.”
The festival, presented by Ventouris Productions, has been running since 27 September with multiple workshops and events imparting knowledge on zeibekiko dancing, while also giving people the confidence to dance it themselves.
It has tapped into the wisdom of both Shakallis and Greek zeibekiko expert Yiannis Pagkozidis (who is of Pontian background), whom have both been fantastic contributors to the festival.
Ventouris highlighted the strong attendance for the events, with hundreds turning out to the opening event last Saturday (28 September) and many workshops being packed out.
“It is fantastic to see how the community has come together and embraced this and are learning,” the Greek dance teacher with over years of experience said.
“The Zeibekiko Festival is also a new hub to bring more knowledge with dancing, in this case being on the traditional and the more modern zeibekiko type of dances.”
The festival’s curator expressed her desire to utilise more teachers next year as they look to expand further on the tremendous success they have already achieved in their opening two editions, potentially delving into other dances as well.
Further information on the festival can be found at its website, and on its Facebook and Instagram pages.
