The second Zeibekiko Festival Australia is set to expand on its debut edition and take major steps towards the historical roots of this dance form this year.

The festival celebrates its return with 13 events from 27 September to 6 October, highlighting numerous workshops and initiatives, including the talents of zeibekiko experts such as Christos Shakallis (from Cyprus) and Yiannis Pagkozidis (of Pontic background and Greek origin).

Most of the events presented by Ventouris Productions take place in Sydney, with the big closing day of the festival taking place in Melbourne on October 6th.

It begins with two Zeibekiko dance workshops with Shakallis at the Melbourne Dance Centre from 12pm-2pm and from 2pm-4pm and ends with a Rembetika and Smyrneika show by Melbourne band Estudiantina led by Con Kalamaras.

The concert, entitled “Tou Votanikou O Mungus”, begins at 7pm at the Brunswick Ballroom and also includes performances by Shakallis and Rhythmos dancers from Sydney.

Presented by Ventouris Productions, the festival’s primary goal is to introduce people to the performance of Zeibekiko dances by teaching the different styles and steps, as well as the important history behind them and the music that goes with them.

After the Asia Minor catastrophe, a completely new society emerged that mourned the loss of its family, its friends and its homeland.

“They mourned their loss and their new living conditions were not great, and a new era of rembetiko emerged with songs that were actually smyrneika.”

Further information about the festival, including how to purchase tickets, can be found on the festival website as well as on Instagram and Facebook.