The two men dancing at an Ithacan ball are Bill Benias and John Tsalikis. TThe men are dancing a 'Zembekiko' traditionally danced by men, although now danced by men and women. It is often danced solo, has no formal steps and is an improvised movement that expresses the feelings of the individual dancing. Its origin is in Asia Minor, the former home of displaced Greeks. Greek dancing is an important part of Greek culture with various traditional dances from the different regions of Greece. Traditional Greek dancing is enjoyed by young and old at social functions.A coloured photograph of two men doing Greek dancing at a social.

The picture is of a Greek dance group, possible organised by the Olympic Club. Nina Black pictured in the middle row was an Australian born Ithacan who was very active in a variety of Greek community activities, including the performing arts and education. She was passionate about fostering Greek culture and language within the Ithacan, Greek and wider Australian community in Melbourne. She went on to establish her Greek dancing classes which were popular with both the Greek and broader Australian community. Her Greek dance group performed Greek dances at many social functions and dressed in traditional Greek costumes, the performances added colour to the events and were widely appreciated. Pictured, back row L-R: . . ? . ., Olympia Cecil, . . ? . . , ...... Green. Middle row L-R: ...... Green, . . . ? . . . , Michael Black, Nina Black, Marguerita Black. Front row L-R: Spiro Polites, Eleni Vrachna, Effie Cecil, Ellie Black, Harry NicholadesThe teaching of Greek dancing to the children of Greek immigrants ensured the maintenance of Greek cultural traditions in their adopted country. A black and white photograph of ten ladies and three men dressed in Greek national costume and posing on a staircase.

Nina Black , standing at the back in the middle of the group, taught Greek dancing to many young Australian-born Ithacans. She also taught Greek language and English to adult migrants. Nina worked tirelessly with migrant community in the post mass migration period. Learning traditional Greek dancing has been one way that Ithacans who settled here were able to maintain their culture. Traditional Greek dancing is always popular at Ithacan social events. A black and white photograph of six ladies and four men dressed in Greek national costume.

The group pictured are young Ithacan girls who were taught by Olga Black and they are wearing the traditional Ithacan dress. The group performed at various IPS events including the annual ball, Christmas parties. Both Olga and her sister Nina, taught Greek dancing to many people over the years, both Greek and non Greek. Many young Australian born people of Ithacan descent develop a greater appreciation and awareness of the Greek and Ithacan culture through learning traditional dances.A coloured photograph of a dancing group dressed in a Greek costumes. In the group there are five older girls and a younger girl as well as one boy.

The dance group performed at a function which took place at Wilson Hall at the Melbourne University Campus in 1961. The ladies are from L-R: Nina Black, June Megalos, Olga Black, Katherine Black, Stella Stevens and Effie Megalos.The maintenance of Greek culture within Melbourne's Greek community has been assisted by the teaching of traditional music and folk dancing to the Australian born generations at the Greek schools and dance classes. Greek dance is still an integral part of any Greek celebration.A black and white photograph of six women standing in front of a screen. They are dressed in traditional Greek costumes.