Tara Murray
Afrodhite Sovolos has been keeping Brimbank residents moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. She speaks with Tara Murray about living in Brimbank and her passion for dancing and teaching.
What is your connection to Brimbank?
I have spent the last 25 years in Brimbank when my family and I moved to this area from Coburg. I did spend some years overseas for travel and work and upon return, decided to stay in this area with my husband and children. Brimbank has a lot to offer with a convenience distance from the airport, says one who loves to travel. I have always loved its greenery, convenient nearby shopping centres like Watergardens and Keilor Central and great open spaces.
What is your favourite thing about Brimbank?
They say the most beautiful things are explored by foot. I have always been a runner and tested some great trails and paths around Keilor, Taylors Lakes and Brimbank Park. Brimbank is truly blessed with some well-established tracks that lead to some great lake views. On each run, I am still captivated by the beautiful nature that surrounds our homes and absolutely adore the café at Brimbank Park. My family and I often bike-ride down to park and stop for a drink and snack. The buzz in this area creates a great culture and feeds not only your tummy, but your soul!
What is your favourite place to eat in Brimbank?
Had to really think about this one as it has been a while since we have gone out to eat but I am really missing a catch up at Theo’s Greek Cakes in Keilor Park. Offering some Greek music on premises, you literally sit back and relax whilst enjoying something to eat and drink. I can’t wait to be able to do that again! I was thinking of recommending a favourite sweet from this great place but struggle to think of one because I love everything they have.
How did you get involved in running fitness and dance classes?
Four years ago, a very good friend of mine, Misha, encouraged me to attend a Greek dance fitness class. Being brought up with Greek music my whole life with Greek dancing included at every occasion, I discovered how much I enjoyed attending these classes. It was like a party every week and a great way to reconnect with my upbringing. It brought out the best in me and I couldn’t believe I was getting a workout at the same time. Sharing my joy with friends and family about these classes, I was supported and encouraged to run my own class in Brimbank and did so soon after. I am proud to say that classes are still running weekly in Keilor Downs and Brunswick. I am very grateful and thank my participants for their ongoing support and love. We are like a family and always embrace and welcome new people with smiles and encouragement.
Tell us about what is different in the classes that you run? How have you had to change them for the pandemic?
DanceGR is founded by two incredible ladies who have given their heart and soul into dance, Sophia Petras and Chrissi Kalos. DanceGR is unique because it’s driven to provide results by offering the best dance routines that targets specific areas of the body that increases your cardio, strength and overall performance. We are proud to share that our participants find our classes to have helped their health and wellbeing and increased morale. Since the pandemic, I have more of a reason to be more positive than ever and encourage my participants to believe in themselves Of course, it has been tough and naturally you may lose that slight motivation but as an instructor, I focus on positive energy and always strive to ensure my participants come along on my journey, called ‘ours’. It goes without saying, great things never came from comfort zones.
