Adriana's 'Spasta' series breaks & embraces Greek dance traditions

Australia has the third-largest Greek diaspora in the world. As of 2016, it was recorded that 50.4% of that population lives entirely in Victoria, constituting one of the country’s longest-settled migrant populations.

While many of those Greek Australians, whether still among a first generation of migrants or the children and grandchildren of those same migrants holding onto their “ta ethima mas” (our culture and traditions), Greek tradition like so many others is one that has varied and blurred with the passage of time and other influences.

'Spasta', an event run by Naarm/Melbourne-local Adriana, is an event that pushes that shift in Greek dance to the forefront of what it does. A regular collaboration with promoter and touring agency Finding Figaro, the event is one of many aspects of what Adriana does that seeks to celebrate a Greek approach to dance in a way that breaks tradition while simultaneously embracing it.

Saturday, April 12 sees Spasta taking over RMIT’s Alumni Courtyard with perhaps its biggest lineup to date. Pioneer and king of Detroit Marcellus Pittman, Singapore’s Dean Chew, Naarm’s O Honey and Adriana herself are set to christen the space with a positivity and inclusivity that Spasta has become all too known for.

Ahead of the event, Adriana gave us a rundown of exactly what makes Spasta special.

Q: "Spasta" has Greek origins right? Could you give a bit of background on why naming the party this way was a must?

ADRIANA: A "Spasta" translates to "break" in Greek and is often shouted when smashing plates at joyous festivities. The act itself is believed to usher in positive energy as it clears away residual negativity through the breaking. This tradition perfectly summarises what our party is all about - that being a fun, inclusive and not too serious affair that pays homage to my Greek heritage - whether that be through plate smashing, a Greek band or traditional food lovingly made by family.

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Q: You’ve had a long relationship with the Finding Figaro guys. How did you all come to meet?

ADRIANA: Like how any good love story begins, we first connected because they wanted to make a short doco on me lol. During the filming process, it was obvious that we got along like a house on fire, and as time progressed it became increasingly apparent to me that they have a great work ethic and that our values aligned. That to me was more than enough reason to collaborate!

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Q: How did Spasta become something that you collaborated on with them?

ADRIANA: With Spasta's increasing popularity and success, it was obvious that it had to expand, and that was made possible by teaming up with Finding Figaro! With their help, Spasta has moved outside of the club into beautiful spaces that house massive productions and lineups that are dreams made of!

Q: What is it about Spasta events that you think stand out among the rest of Naarm’s offerings?

ADRIANA: The community. Spasta is nothing without its people, and we take great pride in attracting punters who are genuine, kind and inclusive. When you have that solid foundation, the rest of the scaffolding comes easy!

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Q: Spasta generally seems to happen outside, with previous iterations finding a home at the Fairfield Amphitheatre, and this next edition taking place in the RMIT Alumni Courtyard. Why is being outdoors so important to the event do you think?

ADRIANA: Spasta is a tri-annual event so our space needs to reflect the rare and special event that it is. Being outdoors adds to the positive and unique atmosphere that we pride ourselves on.

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Q: You’ve called this Spasta ‘XXL’, what exactly is making it so much bigger?

ADRIANA: ABSOLUTELY it is! This version is going to house our greatest capacity, production and lineup to date at a whole new exciting venue! There is much to celebrate!!

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Q: You’ve got a huge booking in the form of Marcellus Pittman. What do you think he’ll be able to bring to the Courtyard & why did it feel like such an important booking for you?

ADRIANA: Marcellus has shaped dance music as we know it, and to welcome him to our party is a huge honour and privilege. His presence highlights both Spasta's growth and mine. It feels surreal to be sharing the stage with him in just a few weeks!

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Tickets to SPASTA XXL are still available.

Jack Colquhoun is Mixmag ANZ’s Managing Editor, find him on Instagram.