RALLISSCHOOLOFGREEKDANCE
RSGDSYD
RSGDSYD NEWS - Supporting our Community
HAPPY 104TH BIRTHDAY MR TZANETAKO
St Basil's Aged Care
130 Croydon Street, Lakemba
Saturday, 13th April 2019
On Saturday, 13th April, our Senior Performance Group had the absolute honour of performing at St Basil's Aged Care for Mr Tzanetako who turned 104 years of age.
Surrounded by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and staff, our dancers brought smiles and tears of joy to those in attendance. It true to say, music and dance lives in the heart of both young and old.
Thank you to Ms Linda Legas & St Basils Lakemba, for giving our school the honour and opportunity to celebrate this special milestone and congratulations fir putting on a magnificent party for a very special man.
"REUNITE" Dinner Dance 2018
Arena Sports Club
140 Rookwood Road, Yagoona
Saturday, 16th June 2018
With great pride on Saturday, 16th June 2018, our school celebrated 21 year of dancing excellence and what an incredible party it was!
Our dancers, both past and present are extremely important to us and the pinnacle of our school's existence. Each and every one of you have blessed my school with your talent and inspired me to continue do what I love most.
Thank you to the families from our first school in BLACKTOWN and every subsequent school including: CLEMTON PARK, CROWS NEST, LEMNOS CLUB, MANLY VALE, MERRYLANDS, UNDERCLIFFE AND WOLLONGONG for joining us in what was “our school’s” biggest reunion dinner dance ever put together.
REUNITE was jammed packed with dancing, food and a celebration of both past and present RSGDSYD families under one roof.
Thank you for a wonderful night and for sharing this incredible milestone with us.
Greek Independence Day 2018
St Stephanos Greek Orthodox Church, Hurlstone Park
Cenetaph, Martin Place - Sydney Opera House
Sunday, 26th March 2018
On Sunday 25th March, united as one, St Stephanos Parish, Fr Stavros Ivanos and Rallis School of Greek Dance came together to celebrate Greek Independence Day.
Applauded by thousands of spectators our school was congratulated on our spectacular costumes, outstanding performance and our overall presence at this year’s march.
To our wonderful dancers.. you never stop to amaze us!! You danced with passion and with your heart on your sleeve!! I, as your teacher was exceptionally proud as too were the parish and your parents. Congratulations and thank you to each and everyone of you!!
To our banner and flag bearers, thank you for enriching our parade. You looked amazing and completed our group in our Greek army outfits.
To the RSGD Committee - you are my 'Dream' team. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support and assistance. I don’t know what I would do without you.
Video by Angela Panagiotidis
Good Friday
St Stephanos Greek Orthodox Church, Hurlstone Park
Friday, 14th April 2017
Good Friday commemorate the events leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and a day of mourning.
Congratulations to James Dunne and Antonia Banicevich for embracing the opportunity of leading the Epitaphio on Good Friday this year at St Stephanos Parish, Hurlstone Park.
A very big thank you to Fr. Stavros Ivanos for his guidance, dedication and spiritual way that has brought the community together once again in faith and worship.
It was an honour and privilege given to RSGDSYD to participate in this year’s procession.
Photo by David Pentranker
Hurlstone Park Church - Palm Sunday Luncheon
Ashbury Bowling & Pan Arcadian Club, 51 King Street Ashbury
Sunday, 9th April 2017
St Stephanos Parish Hurlstone Park delighted their parishioners, families and friends with their annual Palm Sunday Luncheon.
Well done to our wonderful and very talented dancers who participated on the day. You danced just beautifully!!!!
Congratulations to all involved in putting together such a wonderful day and a very special thank you to Fr Stavros Ivanos, the entire St Stephanos Committee and Mr Nick Karagiannis for giving our school the honour in performing.
Photos by Gabriela Palombo & Suttons Homebush Honda
GODS. MYTHS. DANCE - The Stage Production
National Institute of Performing Art, 215 Anzac Parade Kensington
Saturday, 25th March 2017
Gods. Myths. Dance is the story of myths and teachings that belong to the Ancient Greeks, their Gods and heroes... The nature of the world and the significance of their ritual practices.
RSGDSYD reproduced one of Greece's greatest story ever told and transformed it into a spectacular dance and theatrical experience.
This breathtaking production marks 20 years since RSGDSYD opened it's doors for the first time. The stage exploded with glorious visions of Gods, Myths, stunning stage effects, incredible dancing, vibrant costumes and unforgettable music of both ancient and traditional Greece.
There are so many people that have played such a significant part in tonight’s performance - the families and friends of our school, past and present committee members who worked tirelessly to help make this event possible and the support of my own family who have been on this incredible journey with me.
However, the real starts of the show are our incredible past & present dancers. Each time our RSGDSYD dancers hit the stage there is overwhelmed pride and joy that fills the room - tonight was no exception.
Thank you to all our sponsors who have donated on many different levels – your commitment to our production is greatly appreciated. These include: Nick Karagiannis (Suttons Homebush Honda), Fr Stavros Ivanos (Hurlstone Park Church), Gary Koutzoumis (Koutzoumis Lawyers), Theo & Maria Travlos (The Hellenic), Peter & Angela Kanerellis, (Lookup.com), Andronika (Trouli Graphics) Nieos Grille, Supreme Pizza, Stavros & Vicky Kritikos, MorCo Fresh, Aussie Skips and Primo Fresh – I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
High Tea & Hats
The Gardens on Forest - 764 Forest Road, Peakhurst,
Sunday, 31st July 2016
Congratulations to the RSGDSYD Executive Committee for putting on a wonderful afternoon at "High Tea & Hats" at the Gardens on Forest.
The well appointed room hosted over 150 ladies, ranging from grandmothers, mothers and daughters from our school in a fun filled winters afternoon.
The ladies enjoyed
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Decadent High Tea complete with scrumptious savoury pastries, finger sandwiches, sweet treats and a selection of freshly brewed loose-leaf tea.
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Sparking wine on arrival + soft drinks & juices
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Fashion Parade
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Beauty, Skincare, Make-up and Jewellery Stands
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Greek Dancing Performance & lots more
Thank you to everyone that came along and for donning your beautiful hats!
Greek Folk Dance for Quality of Life & Wellbeing Seminar
AHEPA Hall, Tuesday, 10th May 2016
A big thank you to Dr Maria Bougiesi for facilitating the event, Mr Stavros & Mrs Vicky Kritikos and AHEPA NSW for helping Rallis School of Greek Dance to put on this event, Mr Ioannis Meravoglou from 2MM Greek Radio Station & O Kosmos Greek Newspaper for your ongoing support and for the media coverage of this fabulous seminar.
Today’s seminar focusing on Greek Folk Dance and the benefits it has on general health and wellbeing was packed to the rafters.
About the Seminar:
The importance of physical activity in improving the human's quality of life and health is widely recognized and scientifically proven. According to the World Health Organization, Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Hellenic folk dance is connected with Hellenic tradition and, at the same time, consists of a form of exercise which is appropriate for all ages, all body types, requires no special equipment, and combines music, song and rhythmically repeated movement. Based on the World Health Organization’s guidelines regarding health, Maria has organize Greek folk dance classes aimed at the physical, mental and social well-being of participants. Through her scientific knowledge and her extensive practical experience, she has established that Greek folk dance classes, properly organized, are possibly one of the best forms of exercise for the promotion of a human's well-being.
It was such a delight to see so many of our seniors attend and participate.
Greek Dancing is well and truly in the hearts of both young and old!!!
Greek Independence Day 2016
Sydney Opera House - Sunday 3rd April 2016
This year marks the 195th anniversary of Greek Independence and as a school, RSGDSYD takes pride in celebrating with the wider Australian community our Greek history, language and culture.
Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Craig Laund laid a wreath on the Cenotaph in Martin Place before the commencement of the March which concluded at the Sydney Opera House.
Rallis School of Greek Dance stood with their heads held high - with so much love and pride for their mother country, Greece.
GOOD FRIDAY
St Stephanos Church, Hurlstone Park, Friday, 29th April 2016
Standing tall and proud, our boys had the privilege of leading the Epitaphio on Good Friday this year at St Stephanos Church, Hurlstone Park.
A very big thank you to Fr Stavros for his guidance, dedication and spiritual way that has brought the community together once again in faith and worship. It was an honour given to RSGDSYD to participate in this years procession.
Taking First Steps with RSGDSYD
St Stephanos, Hurlstone Park - 19 May 2016
RSGDSYD is growing and expanding its school in 2016.
It is with great pleasure to accounce that Rallis School of Greek Dance is joining forces with the St Stephanos Parish and creating a dance studio for Tiny Tots through to Youth classes.
It brought such a joy watching the Parish children taking their first steps. Lots of excitement filled the room with so many happy little faces having fun. These gorgeous children warmed my heart!
Join in the fun and explore our rich Greek culture with your children.
Classes will be held every Thursday afternoon at St Stephanos Parish Hall.
ANGELS (Tiny Tots: 3- 5 years) 5:00pm - 5:45pm
GALAZIO OURANO - (6 – 8 years) 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Share and Invite your friends!
Tribute to Greek Cinema - End of Year Dinner Dance
Conca D'oro (Navarra Vanues) - Friday, 27th November 2015
Rallis School of Greek Dance (RSGDSYD) is ready to WOW it’s audience once again.
For the FIRST TIME ever we will be paying tribute to “Old Greek Cinema” for our... end of year concert.
We all followed stories of love, passion and dance with Aliki Vougouklaki, Tzeni Karezi and Zoe Laskari. We all laughed with joy to the likes of Rena Vlaxopoulou, Thanasis Veggos, Kostas Voutsas, Labros Konstandaras and Zikos Xatzixristos.
This year, our choreographer Rallis and his students will bring to life the “Golden years of Greek Cinema” in a specially created and colourful show.
Be dazzled by the beats of Bouzoukia and entranced by a magnificent representation of the sound of the sea, the brightness of the sun and the magic of holiday season.
Cure for Brain Cancer Charity Dinner Dance: The "Gift of Giving"
Conca D'oro (Navarra Vanues) - Saturday 13th June 2015
This years 19th Annual Charity Dinner Dance was held at the Conca D'oro (Navarra Venues) in Riverwood in support of The Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.
Approximately 1600 people are diagnosed with brain cancer in Australia annually and around about 1200 die from the disease every year. Brain cancer kills more Australian children than any other cancer. Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is dedicated to accelerating the development of new treatments to increase 5-year to survival to 50% within ten years.
What an amazing night it was... Thank You to all who attended! The Conca D’oro was filled with so much love and so many caring hearts banding together for “THE CURE BRAIN CANCER FOUNDATION." It was an evening representing what Rallis School of Greek Dance families and friends do best.... Coming together, having fun and cheering on our amazingly talented children. It's was an incredible show highlighted by your generosity with “THE GIFT OF GIVING”
Congratulations to all our RSGDSYD dancers - your talent captivated each and every member of the audience. Im am so very proud of each and every one of you.
Australia and Lemnos - A special connection
A story of bravery, compassion and respect
Lemnos wasn't a battlefield but 148 Australian soldiers are buried there, and it is likely that just about every soldier who went to Gallipoli spent some time on the island.
On March 4, 1915, about 3200 Australian soldiers landed on Lemnos, about 60 kilometres from the Gallipoli peninsula. They were the first Anzacs to set foot on Greek soil. By April 21, about 200 ships, said to be the largest armada up to that point in history, had gathered at Mudros Bay, Lemnos. The armada left the island on the evening of April 24 and arrived at dawn for the Gallipoli landings.
During the nine-month campaign, more than 50,000 Anzacs, along with many thousands of allied forces, passed through Lemnos. The rocky island, home to a small sheep farming community, had recently won its independence from the Ottomans and became a place of rest and recuperation.
The Anzacs bought fruit and other food from locals and hung out in the coffee shop before returning to war or being repatriated. The famous Simpson's donkey was said to have come from Lemnos. It was also the home of the female warrior tribe, the Amazons.
As part of the Lemnos1915 Commemorative Events, proud Lemnian Rallis Vatalidis and his school, The Rallis School of Greek Dance is honoured to represent the beautiful island of Lemnos which played such a monumental role in Australian history.
Extract from St George & Sutherland Shire Leader - March 18, 2015
Marrickville Remembers
Marrickville Town Hall - Sunday 19th April 2015
Of the 6,500 local men who enlisted from Marrickville in WWI, more than one-third were either killed or wounded. So many sons, brothers, and lovers were lost. The devastation and trauma this caused was immeasurable.
Marrickville marked the centenary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli with a special Commemorative March and Civic Reception on Sunday 19 April 2015.
Rallis School of Greek Dance came together with the wider community for a Commemorative March along Marrickville Road, culminating in an Anzac Service and the unveiling of the new Winged Victory statue on the refurbished forecourt of the Marrickville Town Hall. Official proceedings will be followed by the opening of the Marrickville Soldiers Exhibition
Marrickville Remembers was an opportunity to stop, reflect, and remember the contribution of all our local servicemen and women.
Lemnos1915 Dinner Dance
Lemnos Club, Belmore - Saturday 14th March 2015
Our very talented senior dance group did Rallis School of Greek Dance proud on Saturday, 14th March with their performance at the Lemnos Associations NSW 1915 Dinner Dance at the newly refurbished Lemnos Club.
Congratulations to each and every performer on not only your outstanding dancing but your conduct and your commitment to our wonderful school.
Our sincerest thanks to Elizabeth Kaydos, Tina Koutsogiannis, Kaily Koutsogiannis, Molly Chiotis and The Greek Consulate General and a special thank you to the Lemnos1915 Commemorative Committee for the plaque we recieved on the night acknowledging RSGDSYD for their contribution at the ANZAC/Lemnos1915 Commemorative Events.
"Life Away From The Trenches"
Kogarah Library - Wednesday 4th March 2015
RSGD's junior performance group proudly represented Lemnos with traditional dances at an exhibition depicting the social history of Lemnos during WWI and commemorating the special bond between the ANZAC soldiers, nurses and the Lemnian community.
This special event which includes a Photographic exhibition and Sculpture display is collaboration between The Lemnian Association, Council’s Artist in Residence Takis Kozokis and Kogarah City Council.
Dawn Service
Cenotaph Martin Place, Wednesday, 4th March 2015
On 4th March 1915, the first Anzacs landed on the Aegean Island of Lemnos to prepare for the landings at Gallipoli.
This comprised the 3rd Infantry Brigade, an engineer company, a field ambulance, a casualty clearing station, a brigades transport and part of a field bakery.
Lemnos was be transformed into the major base for the Gallipoli campaign - its safe and large harbour where the Allied armada assembled, one of the key supply bases, the location of key medical services, including Australian field hospitals, the great Anzac Rest Camp at Sarpi and the place were 148 Australians lie buried in its two commonwealth war cemeteries.
The Dawn Service was held to commemorate the landing of the first Anzacs in Lemnos.
HMAS Anzac Commemorative Event
Woolloomooloo Wharf, Monday, 2nd March 2015
To commemorate the Centenary of Anzac, the Australian Lemnian Association, the Lemnos 1915 World War I Commemoration Committee and the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney worked with the Art Gallery of New South Wales to create a reproduction of a 1926 painting by Sir William Russell Flint called ‘The Lemnians’ which will be carried by the Royal Australian Navy, presented to the people of Lemnos and proudly displayed in the National Art Gallery of Lemnos.
A morning tea was held onboard HMAS Anzac where His Excellency, Dr Kyrimis, along with members of the Lemnian Association, The Rallis School of Greek Dance and the 'Lemnos 1915' group shared the story of the painting and aspects of Lemnian and Greek culture and dance with members of Anzac’s crew.
The Centenary of Anzac is not only a time to reflect on the sacrifices of the ANZACs, but also to celebrate the cultural exchange that has come about as a result of the friendship between Australia and Lemnos that has been forged in both war and peace.
Well done to our team for flying the flag for RSGDSYD. You did us proud!
