MVP

Tag: performance

  • Nicosia Explored Through Music and Dance in Upcoming Performance

    Nicosia Explored Through Music and Dance in Upcoming Performance

    Nicosia takes centre stage this January with a unique music and dance performance that delves into the city’s rich multicultural history. Titled Nostalgia, this performance highlights Nicosia’s diverse traditions and communities, traversing from the Byzantine Era to the present day.

    Nicosia: A Journey Through Time

    Nostalgia invites its audience on a historical journey, exploring the evolution of Nicosia through various artistic expressions, including art, music, dance, speech, and movement. The performance will take place at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre on January 17, starting at 7.30pm.

    Highlighting Cypriot Traditions

    The production celebrates the island’s cultural heritage by incorporating elements from different eras and communities. Audiences can expect to hear Byzantine music and narrative songs, along with the languages of the city’s diverse population. These include the dialects of Leontios Machairas, the Arab-Cypriots of Sanna, as well as Armenian, Turkish, and the dialects from Cappadocians, Asia Minor, and Pontic Greeks.

    A Collaborative Artistic Effort

    This performance is a collaborative project, uniting dozens of musicians, performers, and cultural groups from across Cyprus. Notable contributors include musicians like Efraín López, Michalis Kouloumis, and Elena Xyda. Joining them are the Byzantine dance group Cypriot Melodists and the Traditional Music Choir of the Politistiko Ergastiri Ayion Omoloyiton.

    Engaging Local Communities

    In addition to these established artists, the performance features various local talents, such as actress and singer Michiel Frangiskou, folk poet Shiarpel Frangiskou, and dancer Dervish Zeybek. Dancers from the Youth Centre Panagia Soumela will also be part of this vibrant showcase, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the production.

    Preserving Cultural Heritage

    One of the key themes of Nostalgia is the exploration of issues related to the preservation and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage. The performance aims to raise awareness about the cultural loss that can occur due to migration and displacement, making it particularly relevant in today’s global context.

    Ticket Information

    For those interested in experiencing this unique portrayal of Nicosia’s history and culture, tickets can be purchased through More.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a performance that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.

    A Cultural Celebration

    Ultimately, Nostalgia is more than just a performance; it is a celebration of Nicosia’s rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. As the performers take to the stage, they will create an immersive experience that connects audiences with the city’s past while envisioning its future.

  • Golden age — The Golden Age: A Dazzling Dance-Party Experience

    Golden age — The Golden Age: A Dazzling Dance-Party Experience

    The Golden Age is set to enchant audiences as it opens the Nicosia International Festival 2025 with a vibrant dance-party performance. Presented by the Greek National Opera, this exciting production debuts at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre on Thursday and Friday, showcasing the creative vision of renowned Artistic Director Konstantinos Rigos.

    Golden age: A Celebration of Dance and Art

    This production not only marks the inaugural event of the festival but is also anticipated as one of the week’s standout performances. The Golden Age transports viewers into a dizzying world where the lines between opera and a lively party blur, creating an unforgettable experience on stage. Following its successful premiere in Novi Sad at the Belgrade Dance Festival and subsequent performances at Athens’ Stavros Niarchos Hall, which received enthusiastic standing ovations, Nicosia now has the chance to witness this remarkable work.

    A Manifesto for Tomorrow

    Organisers have described The Golden Age as “a manifesto for tomorrow,” reflecting a forward-thinking approach to contemporary dance. This production encapsulates the spirit of innovation that the festival aims to promote. As excitement builds, tickets for this unique event are available on More.com, starting at €20, making it accessible to a wide audience eager to engage with the arts.

    What’s Next for the Festival

    The Golden Age is just the beginning of a dynamic season at the Nicosia International Festival. Following this opening performance, the festival will feature a rich array of events, including music nights showcasing local artists, traditional festivals set in the picturesque municipal gardens, and performances by notable Greek stars. The programme even includes a festival on two wheels, promising to keep the community engaged and entertained throughout the autumn.

    Event Details

    • Production: The Golden Age
    • Dates: September 18-19
    • Location: Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia
    • Time: 8.30 PM
    • Tickets: From €20, available at More.com
  • Wine glasses — Cyprus Dancer Sets New Guinness Record with 511 Wine Glasses Balanced on Head

    Wine glasses — Cyprus Dancer Sets New Guinness Record with 511 Wine Glasses Balanced on Head

    A 64-year-old Cypriot professional dancer has set a new Guinness World Record by balancing 511 wine glasses on his head, surpassing his previous record of 319 glasses achieved earlier this year. Aristotelis Valaoritis completed this remarkable feat last month, as confirmed by the official record-keeping organisation this week.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Wine glasses: Record-Breaking Achievement

    Valaoritis’s latest record involved a staggering weight of over 63 kilograms, with each wine glass weighing approximately 123 grams. The professional entertainer has been showcasing his glass-balancing skills since 1995, captivating audiences at restaurants and events across Cyprus.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Improving on His Previous Record

    In 2023, Valaoritis initially set the Guinness World Record by balancing 319 glasses. “I like doing this,” he stated after his earlier success. “I see the faces of spectators full of tension and anxiety as if they are watching a movie.” It was this passion and desire to entertain that drove him to attempt an even greater challenge.

    The Technique Behind the Balance

    Preparing for the record attempt required meticulous planning and precise execution. Family members and friends played a crucial role in supporting Valaoritis by arranging the wine glasses into a stable block, which was separated by eight sheets of plywood to ensure stability. This structure was then placed on his head using a specially designed lifting device.

    Executing the Record Attempt

    Once the wooden platform was securely positioned, Valaoritis carefully straightened his back to distribute the full weight across his head. He then extended his arms in a bow before removing his hands from the tray, relying solely on his head to support the entire weight of the glasses.

    During the record attempt, Valaoritis maintained his balance for a remarkable 15 seconds, swaying gently to prevent any spillage of the glasses. His ability to remain composed under pressure highlighted his skill and dedication to his craft.

    A Personal Journey of Dedication

    Valaoritis accepted the record challenge not just to achieve a world record but to demonstrate his enduring passion for dancing and glass-balancing. “I still have the ability and passion for what I do,” he declared. His commitment to the art form is evident in his rigorous training and preparation leading up to this accomplishment.

    Celebrating Cultural Heritage

    For Valaoritis, this record is more than a personal achievement; it is also a celebration of Cypriot culture and tradition. “With dedication and training, I managed to achieve exactly what I had set as a goal… [And] above all, I am proud to present this tradition,” he remarked. His success serves to inspire others in his community and beyond.

    The Future of Glass Dancing

    As he continues to entertain and engage audiences with his unique skill, Valaoritis hopes to encourage a new generation of performers to explore the art of glass dancing. His record-breaking achievement is a testament to the potential that exists within this traditional performance art.

    Valaoritis stands as a symbol of perseverance and passion, proving that age is no barrier to achieving one’s dreams. His remarkable accomplishment will undoubtedly inspire many to pursue their own passions with the same fervour and dedication.