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Antipodes Festival

Saturday 24 February 2024

Hours of non-stop Zorba. The last person standing wins a return airfare to Greece sponsored by FlyScoot.

Who will survive? How badly do they want to go to Greece? Find out on Saturday 24th of February – kicking off at midday. Come and cheer them to Greece.

Greek Folk Dancing is not about learning steps but learning to express yourself though your understanding and interpreting the music, where you learn to vary the number of the steps as you improvise and show some of your personality through the dancing.

Our goal is not for the students to “dance” mirror image perfectly synchronised steps but to move freely and be able to express their personality through movement and their interpretation of the music. To learn to work as a team and learn leadership. To gain confidence and courage when in front of an audience which will also benefit them in their normal life beyond their dancing.

Find out more at GCM Dance Group Instagram Page.

St John’s College has a long tradition in the Greek community of Melbourne. It’s dance group celebrates the greek cultural heritage and gives students a beautiful opportunity to express their identity in an artistic and creative way.

Our Students will perform a range of dances from the Thrace region in Greece.

Find out more at St John’s College Instagram Page

An ensemble that plays traditional music from Epirus in an authentic manner.

The Cretan Brotherhood showcases an enchanting collection of traditional dances from the different regions of Crete.

Experience the vibrant heritage and rich culture of this beautiful island through our captivating and dynamic dance performance.

Gocsa Dance Academy has about 80 students ranging from 5yrs to adult, learning dances from all regions of Greece.

We will be performing dances from Arkadia with traditional costumes music.

Find out more at GOCSA Dance Academy Instagram Page

Our joint junior and intermediate group at antipodes 2024 will have our new junior beginners performing for the first time. The group performance will travel across different parts of Pontus from Kars, Trapezounta, Ak Tag Maten and Matsouka. Live music and song will accompany the group and all dancers will be in authentic traditional costumes.

Our senior group performance will travel across different parts of Pontus from Kars, Trapezounta, Ak Tag Maten, Samsounta and Bafra, a region whose dances have not been performed by anyone. Live music and song will accompany the group and all dancers will be in authentic traditional costumes.

Find out more at Pontiaki Estia Facebook Page or Pontiaki Estia Instagram Page

The Greek Community of Melbourne Dance Group has been teaching authentic greek dance and culture for 20+ years and enjoys the reputation of being one of the longest running and successful dance schools in Victoria. Pupils are trained in the traditional folk style dancing, which maintains the Greek culture for past, current and future generations of Australian Greeks. The Greek Community of Melbourne Dance Group incorporates dances from Euboea, Gagavouz Thrace, Naxos, Cappadochia, Vlach, Sarakatsan, Drama, Konitsa, Messinia, Karagounika, Northern Thrace, Serres, Grevena & Voio Kozani, Roumlouki, Goumenissa Kilkis, Levos & Chios, Ikaria, Eptanissa, Dodecanese & Xiromero.

Today most people assume that singers sing traditional songs, but there is a category of songs that is rapidly disappearing. Songs that accompany dances without musical accompaniment. With these dances they don’t hold hands like in regular songs but hold “hilikota” or “stavrota” in this way being much closer to each other and better able to hear each other sing and keep in time. In general, the pace of these songs was slow and not energetic so as the dancers could sing and dance.

Find out more at GCM Dance Group Instagram Page.

Pegasus Dance Academy formed in 1988 by dance teacher Sotiris Sotiriou.
Since 1989, every year they make over 80 performances in Hellenic, cultural, multicultural and corporate events within Victoria and interstate.

In 2000, Sotiris Sotiriou and members of Pegasus Dance Academy were selected and took part at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games.

Don’t miss the feature act of Antipodes Festival – Melina Aslanidou. Returning to Melbourne to perform the songs we know and love, Melina Aslanidou will take the stage at Antipodes alongside some of the Greek Community’s talented local musicians.

Known for her powerful vocals and electric stage presence, Melina will be sure to have the audience singing and dancing the night away!

Melbourne Bellydance is Melbourne’s premier Middle Eastern & Hellenic entertainment company. We provide premium bellydance entertainment and dance tuition, and we are home to the best internationally experienced dancers in Melbourne. We value authenticity, professionalism, and personality. Our dancers have performed and trained extensively in locations such as Egypt, Greece, and Turkey, and have won multiple international dance competitions combined.

Melbourne Bellydance’s authentic Hellenic set incorporates show-stopping music from artists across the decades. We include props such as wings, swords, and closing out with family fun crowd participation.

Find out more at Melbourne Belly Dance Facebook Page or Melbourne Belly Dance Instagram Page

Opacize is a greek dance fitness group.

We perform different exercise routines which include high and low moves.

Find out more at Opacize Facebook Page

I have been solo performing around Australia the last 18 years. I perform in Greek, Bulgarian and Russian languages. The highlight of my performances was in 2008 when I performed with the Sydney based “Martenitsa” choir as a warm-up group in the concert of the famous Serbian musician Goran Bregovic at Sydney Opera House.

I will perform 4 songs composed by the famous Mikis Theodorakis.

Experience the cultural harmony of Una Fazza Una Razza! Immerse yourself in a vibrant fusion of Greek and Italian folk music as this talented ensemble takes the stage at the Antipodes. Let the spirited melodies and rhythmic beats unite these rich traditions, creating a musical celebration like no other.

Embark on a musical odyssey at Antipodes. Una Fazza Una Razza transports you to the crossroads of Greek and Italian heritage, weaving a tapestry of folk tunes that resonate with passion and authenticity. Experience the joyous blend of cultures in a performance that transcends borders through harmonious melodies.

The Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria is a non-profit social club, that passionately upholds and celebrates Cretan culture in Australia. Our focal point, the Cretan Brotherhood Dance School, embraces dancers of all ages and skill levels, fostering a deep connection with the rich heritage and traditions of Crete.

The Cretan Brotherhood showcases an enchanting collection of traditional dances from the different regions of Crete. Experience the vibrant heritage and rich culture of this beautiful island through our captivating and dynamic dance performance.

Find out more at Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne & Victoria Facebook Page

Arxondises the Greek Women’s Traditional Dance Group has been teaching traditional dance for over 10 years.

They are based in Thornbury and practice every Tuesday night.

Everyone of all skill levels is welcome to come and join in the learning of Hellenic culture and dance.

Drama In the Family features the Kiriakidis family playing the unique musical form from the Macedonian Prefecture of Drama in Northern Greece. They’re joined by the children’s godfather, Stephanos and a family, life-long multi-instrumentalist friend, Joseph Tsombanopoulos. The music is very authentic with no modern influences since its ancient creation.

Today’s performance features the ancient unadulterated sounds from Drama, a Macedonian prefecture in Northern Greece. The instruments include Lyres, Bagpipes, Tambourines and haunting vocals performed in the same style as they were hundreds and possibly thousands of years ago. Please dance along and enjoy this uniquely authentic ancient musical experience.

This duo compose/perform their own music that fuses traditional and contemporary hellenic elements into something fresh and exciting , peppering their songs with Rebetika, Smyrneika, Palia Laika, Entechna. Erinaki perform regularly in Melbourne in various venues and festivals and is in the midst of recording their debut album.

Find out more at Erinaki Facebook Page.

Tsiftes are a Greek rebetika band who mix post war rebetika with the mystical sounds of smyrneika. The band features seasoned rebetika veterans Con Kalamaras and the young talent of Stav Thomopoulos and Alex Petropoulos with classically trained violinist Jenny Dixon bringing eastern sounds to the mix.

The performance will include a mixture of pre and post war rebetika as well as smyrneika, delicate and intricate music hailing from Smyrna, Asia Minor. Instruments featured in the performance are the bouzouki, guitar, baglama, violin and a variety of percussion.

Find out more at Tsiftes Facebook Page.

The Flambouro Philanthropic society of S.A, established in 1957, has been and will continue to be a proud society. Complete with a rich heritage of dance, food and community spirit, the new comittee were lucky enough to hold celebrations for our recent 60th anniversary which included reintroducing our dance group who have enjoyed exploring the various dances from our region.

The Flambouro Philanthropic society of South Australia dance group combine our rich tradional dances with modern choreography, which ensures an entertaining performance. We are dedicated to keeping our tradional dances alive while showcasing our keen interest in preserving the fun and “Kefi” aspect of one of our most treasured forms of cultural expression. Greek Dance comes from within and we enjoy showcasing our passion.

Omados is a distinguished ensemble devoted to the rich tapestry of Greek music. With a repertoire spanning Entehna classics to rare regional gems, they masterfully evoke the essence of Greek tradition. Their performances resonate with both the familiar and the lesser-known, offering audiences a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes of Greek musical heritage.

Find out more at Omados Facebook Page and Omados Instagram Page.

Vounothalassa is a trio consistion of multi instrumentalists Paddy Montgomery, and brothers Pavlo and Theo Dounias. The three share a strong bond over their love of all traditional Greek music. This trio has one goal only, to play what we love and share it.

The trio performs a range of regional Greek folk music in a tasteful and authentic manner. From Macedonia to Crete, Epirus to Rhodes via Thrace.

Heirs of Apollo skillfully fuse Greek tradition with rock, delivering electrifying performances. Their repertoire also includes Entehna classics. With a unique blend of musical styles, they create a dynamic, unforgettable experience for audiences, celebrating the legacy of Greek Music.

The Heirs of Apollo performance is a cpativating fusion of Greek musical heritage and rock innovation. Their setlist features iconic melodies from Epirus, Macedonia and Thrace, infused with a dynamic rock edge/ Interspersed with these vibrant rhythms, they pay homage to Entehna classics, creating a dynamic, unforgettable musical journey.

Find out more at Heirs of Apollo Facebook Page and Heirs of Apollo Instagram Page.

Cypriot Style Entertainment has been around from 2002. We have DJ and MC and Live Band. We are a Greek/Cypriot Band that plays all the “Laika” and “Dimotika” and “Cypriot” songs. We are a young band that loves to support the Greek community and the young talent.

Our feature is our Cypriot Bracket with our young Violinist that gets everyone up and dancing, our “Laiko” bracket which is Roubes, Tsiftetelia and Zeimbekika and this year we will bring our Clarinet for a “Dimotiko” small set. This way we cover everything.

Find out more at Cypriot Style Entertainment Facebook Page

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We’re excited to bring you an incredible line up of cooking demonstrations at Antipodes!
👩🏻‍🍳👩🏻‍🍳Helena and Vikki
👩🏻‍🍳Hellenic Wine Spirits
👩🏻‍🍳Spiri Tsintziras
👨🏻‍🍳Philip N Vakos – Chef
👩🏻‍🍳Kathy Tsaples
👨‍🍳🍰Vanilla

Find them on the #LoveLonsdale stage.

The Cretan Brotherhood showcases an enchanting collection of traditional dances from the different regions of Crete.

Experience the vibrant heritage and rich culture of this beautiful island through our captivating and dynamic dance performance.

Established in 1956, The Cultural Centre of Florinians (Aristotelis) is one of Melbournes oldest Greek clubs. It’s purpose, to showcase and propagate Florinian culture amongst its younger generations and the wider Greek and non-Greek community. It hosts the Fasolada Festival and boasts a large dance-troupe performing to exciting Halkina music.

Today’s dances are from Macedonia. The pride of Northern-Greece. We will feature dances predominantly from Florina and surrounds, displayed beautifully in authentic colourful costumes, kindly donated over the years from older migrant Florinian club-members. We also have a live Halkina band helping us capture the essence of Florina and Macedonia.

Find out more at Florina Aristotelis Dance Group Facebook Page.

Totally Kicking Brass is a Halkina (Greek Brass) band which features the music from Western Macedonia in Greece. Its unique style fuses the many local Balkan cultures including Greek, Anatolian, Slavic and Romani creating an energetic sound with intricate melodies and complex time signatures. We challenge you to resist dancing!

Totally Kicking Brass will play for your dancing pleasure, beautiful Macedonian tunes from Florina, Kozani, Kastoria, Grevena, Edessa and surrounds. This Halkina-style ensemble has been popular throughout northern Greece since the mid 1800s. We’re proud to be the only band in Australia offering this exciting repertoire, continuing the musical tradition.

Anatreptix play the songs of unrequited love, lost love, unemployment, the prisons, the wine, the suffering. Conjuring up images of smoke filled hash dens (tekes) and underground hangouts for outlaws, Rebetika, aka the “greek urban blues” is the soundtrack for what it is to be a human.

Find out more at Anatreptix Facebook Page.

Rythmi Orfeas performs a polystylistic kaleidoscope of the music of Thrace and surrounds. This ensemble pays homage to its namesake with traditional Greek and Bulgarian dance music, original pieces by Alister Price, and wild improvisation. Alister Price – accordion, composer; Kat Stevens – violin; Rosco Heck – percussion.

Instrumental Thracian dance music, including music from surrounding areas. Greek dances such as Karsilamas, mandilatos, sygathistos, with Bulgarian and Turkish improvisation.

Find out more at Rythmi Orfeas Facebook Page.

Four experienced Greek musicians in rebetiko and laiko songs, dedicated in performing rebetiko smyrneiko.

Anagennisi is Australia’s leading performing greek band with a dedication to all things “laiko”.

Based in Melbourne and performing together since 2004, Anagennisi has grown into the premier name within the greek community for quality live music and is able to cater from small events to large scale concerts.

Find out more at Anagennisi Website.

Nikos, Adonis & Apollonia Xylouris were born in Melbourne and raised in Greece on the island of Crete. They have found their musical roots in the vibrant culture of Crete, where they spent nearly 15 formative years before returning to Melbourne for their studies.

Through their heartfelt performances, they have forged a musical connection between their two homelands, bridging cultures and bringing joy to audiences worldwide.

The Melbourne Gaida Ensemble, comprising 3rd and 4th generation Greeks, breathes life into ancient traditions with the hauntingly beautiful gaida, an instrument echoing back through millennia. Their performances resonate with a deep cultural connection, bridging generations through the timeless power of music, preserving a vital piece of Greek heritage.

The ensemble promises a dynamic roaming performance. Amidst the vibrant festivities, they’ll serenade attendees with the ancient resonance of the gaida, connecting generations and celebrating Greek heritage in a moving, immersive experience that transcends time and place.

Totally Kicking Brass is a Halkina (Greek Brass) band which features the music from Western Macedonia in Greece. Its unique style fuses the many local Balkan cultures including Greek, Anatolian, Slavic and Romani creating an energetic sound with intricate melodies and complex time signatures. We challenge you to resist dancing!

Totally Kicking Brass will play for your dancing pleasure, beautiful Macedonian tunes from Florina, Kozani, Kastoria, Grevena, Edessa and surrounds. This Halkina-style ensemble has been popular throughout northern Greece since the mid 1800s. We’re proud to be the only band in Australia offering this exciting repertoire, continuing the musical tradition.

Musicians of Pontiaki Estia Melbourne including 2 International musicians from Greece.

Performing music from Ponto and UNESCO recognized dance performance of the Μωμόγεροι.

Find out more at Pontiaki Estia Facebook Page.