Close to 300 people gathered last Saturday night in Coburg to celebrate Hellenic traditions, music, and dances.
The Hellenic Cultural Association of Melbourne “O Periklis” celebrated their 9th Annual Dance at the Greek Orthodox Parish Hall in Coburg.
“With just under 300 attendees, the event was a sold-out success, filled with vibrant cultural expression,” said Joseph Tsombanopoulos, the club’s president, to Neos Kosmos.
The theme for this year’s dance, “Dances of the Greeks,” was brought to life by “Omados,” a seven-piece band playing traditional music “throughout the night, keeping everyone dancing “from start to finish.”The evening featured three main dance groups: junior, intermediate, and senior, with about 80 students performing dances from the Ionian Islands (Eptanisa), Crete and Thrace.
“About half of the attendees were under 30 years old,” said Tsombanopoulos, attributing the event’s success to the committee’s commitment and the contributions of the club’s dance instructors.
“The biggest challenge is getting young people to start,” he said, but once they join, they find comfort in groups with peers, that keeps them engaged.
With “about 40-45 young members,” the club’s junior and intermediate dance groups comprise over half of their total membership.
While “it has been difficult to get the younger ones on board,” especially since COVID, Tsombanopoulos, said many “of the older generations” started participating more.
“We had a big influx of new students some in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s who joined a dance group for the first time, and they’ve absolutely been loving it.”
The passion of some younger students even inspired their parents to join, leading to four families participating together in weekly dance classes.
During a past annual dance, three generations of a family—grandparents, parents, and children—danced together, showcasing how shared cultural experiences, can strengthen family bonds.
The club’s president said some students who have also started learning traditional musical instruments like the gaida (a type of bagpipe) and daouli (double-headed drum) may join musicians on stage at next year’s event.
Since its inception in 2015, “O Periklis” has grown from a group of five friends passionate about Greek dancing and culture into a thriving community club.
“Through our lessons and events, we provide community members with a vital connection to their ancestral roots. Our club has helped individuals and families embrace their traditional heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.”
He said over the years, the club’s partnerships with organisations such as Aristotelis, Pontiaki Estia, and the Greek Orthodox Community, “have not only enriched our programs but have also strengthened our communal bonds.”
Tsombanopoulos said with the help of a local tailor, the club has also crafted their own costumes in Melbourne, resulting in a collection of about 60 or 70 costumes.
He said the club would greatly appreciate anyone willing to lend or donate traditional costumes they have at home, as many remain unused despite their cultural importance.
As for the future, the club aims to expand their programs with diverse cultural activities and workshops, and partnerships with Greek cultural groups nationwide.
“Our goal is to not only increase membership but also deepen our engagement with the community.”
