The Zeibekiko is the dance of the soul, an improvised expression of human pain spread over a few square meters, the externalization of a feeling that pulsates within, desperately seeking an outlet. This dance is silent poetry; it serves as a stronghold, a refuge, and a release for emotion. This essence of the Zeibekiko was brought to life at the 2nd Zeibekiko Festival, which took place on Sunday, October 6, with hundreds of dance and tradition enthusiasts participating.
The day began with excitement early in the morning, as organizer Sophia Ventouri and Cypriot dance instructor Christos Sakallis arrived in Melbourne from Sydney. “When we arrived, groups of people were waiting for us,” said Sophia. “We immediately understood how significant this event is for the Greek community in Melbourne.”
Christos Sakallis kicked off the day’s program with a special dance workshop at the Melbourne Dance Center, where he taught the fundamental principles of the Zeibekiko, focusing on the philosophy and meaning behind each movement. The festival provided a platform for the younger generation to learn about and appreciate the roots of this unique dance, proving that the art of Zeibekiko knows no boundaries, ages, or eras. The festival culminated in a unique Rebetiko night at Brunswick Ballroom, where Christos Sakallis delighted attendees with a stunning display of dance, beautifully accompanied by musician Kostas Kalamara and the Melbourne Estudiantina.
The youth dance group “Rhythmos,” composed of Sophia’s students who traveled from Sydney to present a rich dance program, received enthusiastic applause from the audience. The sounds of bouzouki and the rhythms of the Zeibekiko captivated attendees, engulfing them in a celebration of tradition and Greek culture.
“It felt like being in an authentic rebetiko venue in Greece,” said an excited Sophia. “The talented musicians of Melbourne produce music with love and passion, offering that rare sound that is so lacking in the diaspora.”
The program opened with a Politiko Syrto. A particularly moving moment of the evening was the dance interpretation of “Zeibekiko of Evdokia,” which Sakallis used to close the first part of the program, stirring emotions among the attendees. The intensity peaked with the song “Synnefiassmeni Kyriaki” by the late Vasilis Tsitsanis, which concluded the program. At that moment, everyone formed a circle around Sakallis to speak with him, take photos, and express their gratitude for the unforgettable experience he provided.
“I feel very satisfied and deeply moved that our hard work and efforts are recognized through the participation of the people and their warm reception,” said Sakallis. He added, “The audience here has asked for more festival days in Melbourne, like those in Sydney. Many attendees even offered to help us organize this here, which gives us the strength to continue and fulfill this desire of the community.”
“This festival is not just an event, but a piece of our soul,” stated Sophia, who did not forget to thank 3XY Radio Hellas and the newspaper “TA NEA” for their significant support, as well as her sponsors and partners, Brunswick Ballroom, and the students and parents who traveled with her from Sydney, alongside Christos Sakallis for another year of excellent collaboration. “A special thank you also to Kostas Kalamara, who accepted this collaboration without hesitation and provided musical accompaniment to our effort,” she added.
The audience left humming “Synnefiassmeni Kyriaki, you resemble my heart…” and the festival closed with wishes and promises for an even larger event next year. “The Zeibekiko Festival thanks Melbourne for welcoming us with open arms. The community’s response encourages us to continue highlighting our musical and dance heritage. We look forward to reuniting next year,” concluded Sophia, inviting all friends of the Zeibekiko to continue embracing this endeavor.
On the official festival website, zeibekikofestivalaustralia.com.au, as well as on social media, attendees will soon be able to find photos and videos capturing the most poignant moments of this year’s festival.
The 2nd Zeibekiko Festival may have drawn its curtain, but it left indelible marks on the heart of our community and sparked hopes for an even bigger and more dynamic presence in Melbourne next year.
