Around 230 young Greek Australians gathered in South Wharf on Friday night for the annual Melbourne University Greek Association (MUnGA) Ball.
It was the glitz and glamour as Melbourne Uni’s Greek students dressed up to mingle, dance and celebrate what they all have in common – their Greek heritage.
And they all proved that dance is a generational key to unlocking your Greek roots, because as soon as the live entertainment began, courtesy of Dio Patrides Band, there wasn’t an empty spot on the dance floor.
Away from the dance floor, you could see everyone connecting, be it good friends or even those who haven’t met before.
Neos Kosmos spoke to various attendees throughout the night to see why they joined MUnGA and to see if they were excited for the night.
Simon, a committee member and in his first year of a Master of Clinical Audiology spoke on why he joined.
“I wanted to have some good times. I wanted to dance to the Greek music and meet some more Greek people,” he said.
“It was on of the very first things I did when I joined Melbourne Uni, I just thought, there’s a really big Greek community here, and I just thought instantly, I need to go straight to MUnGA if I want be part of that.”
Ioanni, a first year Juris Doctor student who just moved over from New Zealand said he joined MUnGA to make more Greek friends and get involved with the Greek community here.
Anastasia and Nicolette, both second year Arts students, spoke about why they joined the group and their excitement for the night.
“It’s a great way to experience our community and our culture, great way to experience the dancing as well. I think it’s a really collective environment which I love,” Anastasia said.
Nicolette echoed her friend’s sentiment and said they’ve really been looking forward to it.
They planned out their fits and both messaged each other as soon as the event was announced.
Terence Economos, in his first year studying Science told Neos Kosmos he also joined the association to be around his fellow Greeks.
“I’ve heard very good things about the Greek ball, so I wanted to get down and just be around my people,” he said.
“Looking forward to tonight. It’s looking good. It’s my mate’s birthday so we’re going to celebrate hard with him and I think we’re going to have a good night.”
Neos Kosmos also got to chat with MUnGA Co-President’s Christina Damigos and Athanasios Pirpiris about the importance of holding events like this.
It all ties back to the common theme of connection.
“They get people together, they bring our community together, especially Greek youth who tend to find it difficult to find each other in these large university communities,” said Athanasios, who is in his third year of Electrical Engineering.
“This event is the highlight of the MUnGA calendar. I think everyone really looks forward to coming here. It’s a great opportunity to connect and socialise.”
Christina, third year Psychology, said it’s a great way for the youth to explore their Greek heritage.
“It’s just beautiful to see people have a chance to go out with their friends, put on something formal and have a beautiful time.”
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