Third generation Greek Australian, Erica Kossivas, keeps her traditional Greek culture alive through the medium of dance. Erica, at the tender age of 20, finds the art of Greek dancing preserves tradition and helps her explore her cultural identify.

Erica is fortunate enough to have a rich Greek heritage; grandparents on both her mum and dad’s side originate from northern Greece. Her ancestors migrated to Australia at a young age, during World War two, in search of a better life . All four of Erica’s grandparent’s, have worked hard to build successful businesses, to support large families.
As a dedication to her hard working and sacrificing grandparents, Erica utilities the art form of dance to celebrate her Greek culture in an Australian society.

1. Why did you start Greek dancing?

I have always loved dancing and from a young age my grandpa would teach me. I enjoy dancing and I feel like I am doing my part in keeping the Greek Culture alive.

2. How long have you been Greek Dancing?

I have been dancing from about the age of three-four however, I have been dancing professionally for about two years. I have a lesson every week on a Tuesday for two hours, at the Oakleigh Scout Hall.

3. How old were you when you were first introduced to Greek Dancing?

I have grown up with Greek music and dance, but it wasn’t until I was four that I started Greek Dancing.

4. What is your favorite part about Greek dancing?

Apart from the fact that it is a great work out, I feel like I am keeping our culture alive and exploring my tradition Greek roots.

5. Does any one else in your family Greek Dance with you?

At some stage or another we have all done Greek Dancing, but at the moment it is just me and my younger sister.

6. How often and where do you perform?

It really depends how often; some months we might have performances every week and at other times it might only be once or twice a month. We perform all over Melbourne, from Greek festivals to our own concerts, tavern nights and dinner dances. We also perform interstate, recently hosting a concert in Sydney.

7. Explain the traditional costumes that you wear?

With Greek dancing there are different dances from every part of Greece; each dance is adorned with a different costume. We perform ‘brackets’ which are a collaboration of anywhere from five-15 dances and more from a specific region of Greece. With these brackets come certain costumes.

Typically girls will have their hair braided, with red nails and lips. We will then wear either black or white stocking (depending on the costume). Some costumes consist of three-four pieces, while others can have six pieces, as well as props. All our costumes are made to resemble the traditional costumes worn by our ancestors.

8. What have you gained through your Greek Dancing experience?

I have gained discipline, knowledge of Greek history and a sense of pride and cultural identity.

9.How else do you keep your Greek heritage and roots alive?

From a young age I attended Greek school once a week where I learnt to read, write and talk fluently. As a family we attend as many Greek festivals and cultural celebrations as we can such as the Antipodes festival on Lygon Street. We also cook traditional foods at home and when possible listen to our grandparents tell us stories from when they were our age growing up in Greece.