The MANASIS School of Greek Dance and Culture, Australia’s official representative Greek cultural group, is thrilled to announce its most ambitious project to date: Destination Patrida 2024.
This landmark cultural exchange will see fifteen young Greek-Australian dancers embark on a month-long journey to their ancestral homeland, Greece, from mid-June to mid-July 2024.
This “dream-come-true” project, a decade in the making, marks the culmination of 45 years of unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Greek culture in Australia. Since its founding in 1979, MANASIS has transcended the traditional boundaries of Greek dance, elevating it to an internationally recognized art form on the global stage of performing arts.
Destination Patrida 2024 has received official recognition and endorsements from esteemed organizations including the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian Embassy in Greece, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Greece), and the Office of the General Secretariat of Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy. The project also enjoys the blessings and support of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, along with various Ministers and prominent cultural organizations.
The highlight of Destination Patrida 2024 will be the formal induction of the MANASIS School of Greek Dance and Culture as an official member of UNESCO’s Council of International Dance (CID). The ceremony will take place at the Dora Stratou Dance Theatre in Athens during the council’s 61st World Congress of Dance Research.
Director and Instructor, Dimosthenis Manasis, expressed his immense gratitude to the thousands of students, families, benefactors, sponsors, and supporters who have made this dream a reality. He particularly acknowledged the "Famous 15" dancers and their families, whose unwavering commitment and shared vision have been instrumental in this endeavor.
During their month-long immersion in Greece, the troupe will participate in a bespoke program encompassing cultural exchange, performances, and enriching experiences designed to deepen their connection to their heritage.
Destination Patrida 2024 represents a significant milestone, not just for MANASIS, but for the Greek-Australian community as a whole. These fifteen young dancers will serve as ambassadors of their culture, bridging the distance between Australia and Greece, and solidifying the legacy of Greek heritage for future generations.
Photo Caption: The "Famous 15" dancers of MANASIS School of Greek Dance and Culture pose with Director/Instructor Dimosthenis Manasis before their historic trip to Greece for Destination Patrida 2024.
