More than 400 people joined the Hellenic Cultural Association of Melbourne “O Periklis” to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a night of Hellenic tradition at the club’s annual dance.
“It was electric from the get-go,” club president Joseph Tsombanopoulos to Neos Kosmos, about the sold-out event held on Saturday, June 14 at Stars International Ballroom in Preston.
The dance saw a big turnout from young people, with Tsombanopoulos noting that about “75 per cent [of attendees] were under 30.”
“It was fantastic to see so many young, all having fun and interacting on the dance floor together.”
Tsombanopoulos said it was “quite humbling” to see how the passion of five friends who started the group 10 years ago “blossomed into something big, and something the community enjoys and appreciates.”
A night of Greek tradition
Six different bands kept the music going all night.
“We tried to pinpoint all the musicians that had played for us over those 10 years and invited them all back at our 10-year celebration to be able to play.”
The band “Omados” got the crowd moving with traditional songs from the Peloponnese and Thrace.
Newly formed group “Halkinades” lit up the stage with brass sounds from Western Macedonia.
Led by John Kostarakis, “Demotika” took the audience to Epirus with music that celebrated the region’s rich traditions.
Violinists Susie Simaiou and Kat Stevens mixed melodies from Cyprus with island rhythms.
The musical journey continued in Crete with Paddy Montgomery, Tony Iliou, and George Rerakis.
Stavros Matzeridis closed the night with his Pontian lyre, bringing the traditions of Pontos to life.
Students from the junior, intermediate, and senior dance groups of “O Periklis” performed traditional dances from the Peloponnese and also sang a song.
“During that song you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was really paying attention,” said Tsombanopoulos.
To honour the Club’s first event ten years ago, which featured a cake shaped like the bust of Pericles, the same cake was recreated and displayed on the night.
“O Periklis” to be preserved in Dardalis Archives
Several dignitaries attended the event.
Bishop Evmenios, along with Father Filippos Papagiannopoulos, opened the night with a blessing and spoke about the importance of keeping our culture and faith alive.
President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis, spoke about the key role cultural associations play in preserving Greek identity in Melbourne.
Councillor Vasilios Tsalkos from the City of Darebin also attended and highlighted the council’s strong multicultural spirit.
One of the “highlights” of the night, Tsombanopoulos said, was a surprise announcement from a Dardalis Archives representative about creating a special archive for “O Periklis.”
Members will be able to submit videos, photos, documents, and other material from the past 10 years to be safely stored and preserved.
“We try to promote a sense of community”
While “O Periklis” events often attract many young people, this year’s turnout was even bigger than expected.
This is partly thanks to the “good relationships” the club has built with other dance groups, where most young participants come from.
“It was quite surprising and great to see so many young people who came to support and enjoy the night.”
When asked how “Periklis” keeps young people involved, Tsombanopoulos said:
“We try and support their ideas and what they want, what they want to see out of these types of events or if they want to run events and solve things like that.”
“O Periklis” was founded out of a love for tradition and dance, with no political agenda.
In ten years, it has grown from just three people to six dance instructors, including second, third, and fourth generation Greek Australians.
As for the “secret” to attracting young people Tsombanopoulos said it’s about finding those passionate about dance, which helps bring more youth to the club.
“I think that has really made a difference in in our club at least.”
As part of the events, children in the “Periklis” dance groups also learn traditional songs, making the experience more fun and social.
Another “key” to the club’s success is investing in live music instead of a DJ.
“The entertainment is what brings people in,” said Tsombanopoulos.
Through social media, he explained, many young people see “big bands and festivals in Greece,” which inspires them to look for similar experiences in Australia.
“They don’t really get to see that a lot [here]… so, I’ve made a big push to be able to always have a live band in all of our functions.”
But dancing is more than just learning steps.
“It’s about interacting with the rest of the interact with the group,” said Tsombanopoulos.
Traditionally in Greece, festivals were community-based.
“The entire village would have been in this function and that’s where that whole social aspect would have would have come from.”
“We try to promote a sense of community.”
