ABOUT US - 15 Years at TOŠE AMDE
TOŠE Australian Macedonian Dance Ensemble (TOŠE AMDE) was formed in late 2009 as a means for providing a social environment for young adults interested in Macedonian performance art and culture. A place for them to come together to discuss contemporary art forms and styles, keep fit, socialise and most of all, have fun. The group is a first in the sense that it is a youth group started and directed by youth, who work together to explore contemporary influences to the Macedonian art form. Combining traditional culture with modern influences and innovative ideas, TOŠE AMDE aims to work towards presenting the Macedonian culture to a broader international audience in a fresh and contemporary way to all who are interested, regardless of background or upbringing. The ensemble intends to build an elite group of dancers and performers to showcase Macedonian folklore at various concerts and festivals in Victoria and also create opportunities to tour around Australia and internationally.
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TOŠE AMDE was named after the late Toše Proeski, a singer, songwriter, UNICEF ambassador and philanthropist; an artistic leader and inspiration to a generation of Macedonians. In 2009, the committee received a blessing from Toše Proeski's family to name the organisation after our Macedonian angel in memory of his unwavering humanity, kindness, skill and pride. His magical voice and legacy act as a reminder of his ability to take Macedonian culture and bring it into the 21st century, while still keeping its authenticity, tradition and beauty. Like Toše Proeski, TOŠE AMDE aims to explore and showcase the beauty of our traditional and contemporary culture, creating visual, audio and motion art forms that resonate not only with the previous generations, but with the Macedonian youth and the broader community.
In 2016 TOŠE AMDE presented a new beginning for the next generation of dancers, TOŠE Juniors. This group formed to provide a strong foundation in Macedonian folklore, dance and culture for the Macedonian children of Australia to help build fundamental skills to experience the excitement and joy of performance. TOŠE Juniors has since grown to incorporate four groups; Tiny Tots, Juniors, Tweens and Teens. Attending classes at TOŠE Juniors is an excellent way for children to keep active and connect with the vibrant Macedonian culture through dance and music with friends. We provide students with professional, dedicated and passionate teachers who develop and challenge the students to reach their personal best.
Over the past fifteen years, TOŠE AMDE has performed at various concerts and festivals including Melbourne Storm Multicultural Day, Mental Health Awareness Multicultural Day, MASO Food Festival, Pako Festa, MCWA Inaugural Gala Dinner, INTV Australia New Year's Eve Special, Play Without Boundaries Humanitarian Concert, Goulburn Multicultural Festival, Moomba Parade and yearly at our "igranki" dinner dances and Presentation Balls.
TOŠE AMDE has enjoyed travels together to the Gold Coast, Sydney, Adelaide, Shepparton, Queanbeyan and Perth as guests at Macedonian community groups. Bonding and experiencing new places together while showcasing our love of Macedonian folklore.
TOŠE AMDE proudly presented TANEC - National Institution of Macedonian Folk Dances and Songs - the Soul of Macedonia Australian Tour, hosting 50 members as part of their 70-year jubilee. TANEC are world-renowned and have travelled the globe over the past 70 years. TANEC is a name synonymous with the world stage as a powerhouse of Macedonian folklore. For generations, people relied on TANEC as the predominant, sometimes only source for the teachings of traditional song, music and dance that are part of the rich depths of Macedonian culture and history. Young Australian Macedonians aspire to learn from TANEC, watching their videos, attending seminars with affiliated performers/artists and following their tours around the world. The TANEC Australia Tour aimed to showcase our Macedonian folklore to all nationalities in multicultural Australia. The tour was a great success with shows at the Melbourne Recital Centre on 17 November 2019 and in conjunction with KUD Razigrana Makedonka at Erindale Theatre in Canberra and MKUD Ilinden Sydney at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre in Sydney.
In 2019, TOŠE AMDE celebrated ten years since its inception. A theatre production titled PROŠETKA OKOLU MAKEDONIJA - TRAVELS AROUND MACEDONIA held on 15 November 2019 at Union Theatre, Parkville, Victoria. After many months of preparation, a beautiful program created by our Senior choreographer Nikola Zaceski, captivated the audience, taking them on a journey around the various regions of Macedonia with colourful imagery projected on a giant backdrop. A spectacular evening of Macedonian folk dance and song performed by our Tiny Tots, Juniors, Teens, Seniors & Veterans who were accompanied by singer Nikola Zaceski, the Toše Orchestra, the Macedonian Women's Choir Pletenka and our extraordinary guests, the world-renowned Orchestra of TANEC National Institution of Macedonian Folk Dances and Songs from Macedonia. A night to be remembered for the beauty, energy and professionalism of all members and crew. An immense achievement for TOŠE AMDE as the very first Macedonian dance ensemble in the world to be accompanied by the TANEC Orchestra on stage. You can watch the entire concert and be enchanted by the experience, see our Shop to get yourself a copy of the DVD or USB.
In 2019 TOŠE AMDE created excitement with the 10-year Anniversary theatre concert, TANEC Australia Tour, and the flashmob on the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne CBD, igniting people's passion for Macedonian folklore and tradition. Messages and praise came from around the globe, as well as many enquiries from people wanting to join TOŠE AMDE to learn, share and experience the joy and excitement of performing.
In 2020, the introduction of TOŠE RESERVES now provides a fun environment where adults can get fit, meet new people and learn Macedonian folklore, dance and song.
Our passionate choreographers facilitate weekly classes for each of the five groups of the ensemble. Here members learn intricate dance steps, choreographies, movement and performance skills in a fun environment. Retaining, maintaining and sharing our rich Macedonian history through storytelling, singing, dancing, and traditions.
Inspired by multiculturalism in Australia, TOŠE AMDE and TOŠE Juniors would like to contribute and play our part in raising awareness in continuing the efforts of equality, and quality of life in Australia for all nationalities. As an organisation, we are proud to be a part of multicultural Australia and believe that multiculturalism is an integral part of our national identity. As first, second and third-generation Macedonians in Australia, our objective is to continue to support and inspire our fellow Macedonians by providing a place for them to socialise, take part, belong, share history through stories, song and dance; for themselves, for their children, for our elders, and to enrich this country with our rich Macedonian culture.
DANCE WITH US
We welcome new members
of any age & experience throughout the year.
LET'S CELEBRATE MACEDONIAN CULTURE TOGETHER