dancecenter

We would like to inform you that from June 16 to 27, the Akropoditi Dance and Performing Arts Centre is organizing 10 masterclasses in different dance genres and with different themes.

Fee: 12 euro/class (10 euro for Akropoditi Dance & Performing Arts Centre’s students)
Duration: 2 hours/class
Fee: 30

(The courses will be held if the required number of participants is completed)

The masterclasses:

Monday 16/06, 16:00-18:00
Dimitris Baltas
C-Shaping the air
This aerial silks and rope masterclass is an opportunity to explore the body in the air with dynamism, technique, and creativity. Through simple exercises and movement flows, we will discover new ways of expression and motion. We’ll begin with a warm-up on the floor and on the equipment, including strengthening and flexibility exercises. Then, we will split into groups based on skill level. Beginners will work on basic positions and transitions, while more advanced participants will focus on more dynamic material, including positions around the c-shape and swinging movements. We will create short phrases with the aim of combining them into a unified choreography for both levels, working simultaneously on endurance, expressiveness, and flow of movement on the aerial apparatus.
The masterclass is open to all levels.

Monday 16/06, 18:00-20:00
Konstantina Thanasouli
Χορο/γράφοντας
If each word is interpreted through a movement, and a sentence creates a pattern, then what choreography will narrate this story? A game of choreography and storytelling for everybody that loves to create stories.
This masterclass based on improvisation and can be attended by teenagers and adults with or without previous experience of contemporary dance.

Tuesday 17/06, 19:00-21:00
Dimitris Baltas and Konstantina Thanasouli
ΚΟΜΠ-ACT
In this workshop, we explore the possibilities of movement through the continuous shifting of compact bodies and the use of negative space between them as a tool for connection and transformation. Starting with partner work, participants will experiment with the idea of entangled bodies. How is a dynamic structure created between two bodies? What is the role of intention, weight, and the space between them? The practice then expands into larger group formations (swarms), where the concept of the knot is extended into different qualities, and the bodies interact through multiple connections in a fluid, organic system. We focus on coexistence, role exchange (leader/follower), and the collective intelligence of a group in motion. It is a game of resistance and surrender to gravity, of movement and displacement in space, which will culminate in the creation of a short choreography.
The masterclass is open to all levels.

Wednesday 18/06, 19:00-21:00
Ariadni Psychogiopoulou 
Sailing through the rhythms of jazz
Jazz Dance Introductory Masterclass
Jazz is a form of modern dance that originated from African-American jazz music and tap dance. It is rooted in rhythmic movement, stage presence, and theatrical expression. In this masterclass, we will let the rhythm guide us, giving our bodies the freedom to listen to the music and travel through the vibrant, multi-dimensional world of jazz.

Thursday 19/06, 18:00-20:00
Konstantina Thanasouli
Allegro Ballet Workout
The masterclass is divided into two parts. The first part consists of warming up with balls for the targeted strengthening of muscle groups used in the second part. In this part is taught the technique of jumps that we encounter in a complete classical dance lesson (petit, medium, grand allegro) through ballet’s exercises. Finally, the lesson concludes with the necessary warm down.
Τhis masterclass can be attended by teenagers and adults of intermediate and advanced levels in ballet.

Friday 20/06, 18:00-20:00
Xeni Kottaki
Circular pathways
In this contemporary dance masterclass, we will explore how to move rotationally through space and how to utilize twists within the body. We will study the technical aspects of turns, the different ways they can be executed, and their dynamic qualities.
Through technical exercises, improvisational approaches, and short choreographic phrases, we will focus on precision and flow in movement, balance and body alignment, as well as managing the center of gravity for stability. Additionally, we will explore how breathing, combined with the use of arms and head, can enhance momentum during turns.
The masterclass can be attended by teenagers and adults of all levels who wish to expand their body’s capabilities and enjoy the dynamics and freedom that turns offer.

Tuesday 24/06, 19:00-21:00
Niki Stergiou 
Contact Improvisation: Dancing with gravity
How do the laws of physics affect our movement?
The interplay with gravity will help us to move in all levels –from the floor to the standing position– and eventually to ‘fly’. We will work in solo, duets, and trios.
* There will be a jam for the participants of the class

Wednesday 25/06, 18:00-20:00
Ariadni Kitsou
Inner Flow and Authenticity
Contemporary Dance and Self-Expression Masterclass
“Inner Flow and Authenticity” is an experiential contemporary dance masterclass focussing on connecting with our inner rhythm and authentic presence. Through physical exercises, improvisation, and creative movement, we will deepen our awareness of energy flow, tune into our internal impulses, and seek ways to express ourselves with honesty and wholeness. The aim of the class is to cultivate a safe and supportive environment where each participant can let go of expectations and move based on what they feel, not what they “should” do. By discovering the inner rhythm and the unique quality of each body, we empower our personal artistic voice and come closer to our truth.
The class is open to teenagers and adults who are interested in dance and experimentation.

Thursday 26/06, 19:00-21:00
Mary Varthalitou
Masterclass: Hip Hop (Μάθημα 1^ο)
In this masterclass, after a well-choreographed warm-up, we will work on basic hip hop steps, exploring how we can develop and adapt them to the music. In addition, elements of freestyle will be introduced and integrated to create a complete choreography.

Friday 27/06, 19:00-21:00
Mary Varthalitou
Masterclass: Hip Hop (Μάθημα 2^ο)
In this masterclass, after a well-choreographed warm-up, we will work on basic hip hop steps, exploring how we can develop and adapt them to the music. In addition, elements of freestyle will be introduced and integrated to create a complete choreography.

Flow Yoga & Thai Massage Plus
Master Class with Nabil el-Barrage

On Sunday, March 9, we meet in Akropoditi Dance & Performing Arts Centre, for a four-hour master class that will combine the practice of yoga with elements of Tai chi and Qi gong, breathing techniques, mantras, meditation and guided Thai Massage with couples.
Learning how breath is coordinated with movement we create a safe and supportive framework. We discover our inner strength and understand how breathing promotes energy and calmness together. We move fluidly, consciously, flexibly. The rhythm ebbs and flows through the pulse of our interaction. Stillness and focus. We listen to the present and find our inner peace. We strengthen our connection and trust. With integrity and compassion, we will be relieved and inspired after receiving and offering massage techniques from various healing systems.
The master class is open to everyone, regardless of experience level.

Fee: 30 euro
* For Akropoditi Dance & Performing Arts Centre’s students, university students, unemployment: 25 euro
Duration: 4 hours

Nabil el-Barrage
Nabil el-Barrage works as a Yoga instructor and Thai massage therapist. His lessons are based on YogaWorks, a system that combines three techniques: Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga. He uses elements as well from Tai Chi and Qi Gong. His sessions apart from the basic principles of traditional Thai massage, include techniques from Shiatsu, Ayurvedic massage, Osteopathy and Reflexology.
Βorn in Athens, Greece in 1982. At an early age he came into contact with sports specifically with gymnastics and basketball. He then played football at a semi-professional level for several years.
In 2009 he followed his passion for dance. Classical ballet, contemporary, improvisation and Japanese butoh technique are the dancing fields where he has been trained. Since 2010, he has been a member of the Akropoditi Dance Theatre company, based in Syros.
Apart from dancing in 2009 he was introduced into Yoga and the holistic therapy world.
Observing in the practice of yoga its highly refined, subtle way of transforming the body and how its benefits work beneficially on all levels, the desire to teach is born. In 2013 he received his certification (200h YTT Yoga Alliance) as a yoga teacher, from his trainer Anna Zorzou in YogaWorks system. Then for three years he apprenticed with senior instructor Timo Himenez, delving into the traditional practice of Ashtanga and at the same time trained in Prenatal yoga. Teaching still intrigued him therefore in 2018 he completed the 1st level of training program Yoga for kids at Flower Kids Yoga, with Christina Matsi.
He is grateful that traditional Thai massage enriched his life in 2013, and he had the opportunity to train under the guidance of Till Heeg and his team at Sunshine house. He has been devoted to it ever since.
He is constantly evolving by studying and attending various courses and workshops, while simultaneously teaching and training.
.

Voice in Movement | from Soma to Ensemble

Releasing the Voice & Circles of Polyphonic Improvisation with Anna Luna Louvari

A workshop for releasing the voice through movement and touch, and for creating polyphony in the moment

Releasing the Voice
An exploration of how movement and physical touch liberate breath and sound, how they reveal new possibilities in the voice’s range, volume and qualities, and mostly, how they allow us to connect with what wants to be expressed and let the voice to give it form through improvisation.
We’ll work individually and in pairs.

Circles of Polyphonic Improvisation
We cultivate the ability to listen, to tune in as an ensemble and create music in the moment, by working tools like the drone notes (ison), the creation of four-voices soundscapeς with the gradual addition of rhythmic and melodic patterns, and the moment of the solo- when the ensemble creates a harmonized base for one voice to step upon and improvise.
We’ll work as a group.

Fee: 55 euro
* For Akropoditi Dance & Performing Arts Centre’s students, university students, unemployment: 50 euro
Duration: 7 hours

The workshop is a combination of the different approaches she has trained in and discoveries from her own practice, brought together by the need to share the magic that happens when one allows to be guided by their voice and body, as well as the power of many different voices joining each other harmonically into the song of the moment.
Εxcerpts from the workshop: https://youtu.be/eZs5AxHCq_I?si=o2eZAtebVcPLOZPK

Anna Luna Louvari
Anna Luna Louvari studied contemporary dance (preparatory year in the State School of Dance, 1st BA year in Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Music and Dance) and then, searching for studies that combined both movement and voice exploration, she moved towards pbysical theatre and started training with teachers such as Rosa Prodromou, Alexandra Kazazou, Julianna Bloodgood, Rafal Habel, among others, while then she graduated from BA in Acting in Dilos Theatre School (2020). Continuing this work, the release of the voice through movement became her emphasis, so she started training with teachers of the Roy Hart Centre such as Ulrik Barfod, Edda Hegg, Walli Hoffinger among others, and then she graduated from the one year course “Voice in Artistic Expression” at the Centre Artistique International Roy Hart (2024) As it comes to singing, she begun to love it as a member of choirs and later on trained individually with Dinah Stieringer, Evangelia Karakatsani and others. She has worked in theatre and with children (play based teaching and musical – movement play in groups), and since 2022 she is giving workshops on releasing the voice and polyphonic improvisation.

Cost: 40 euro
* Για τους μαθητές και τις μαθήτριες του Κέντρου Χορού και Παραστατικών Τεχνών Ακροποδητί, φοιτητές-τριες, ανέργους-ες: 35 euro

Safety is a concept that has been heard frequently in recent years, especially in therapeutic areas. To be safe, to be careful, to protect our space.
Does the use of this word, however, in some cases begin to reach the limits of fear and overprotection, bringing us to a position of defense?
What if we replaced security with trust?
Feeling trusting instead of feeling safe?
In this seminar we will explore these concepts on the basis of the Muladhara chakra, our foundation, in a combination of yoga practice and drama therapy.
The purpose is to engage with these concepts physically, emotionally and mentally, through a creative encounter with self and others.
No previous experience is needed, just an appetite for exploration.

May we meet!

Master class: Echoes. An insight into contemporary sounds in ruins

The Austrian composer Egid Jöchl deals with various musical genres, mainly contemporary music and sound installations. In April 2024, he staged the opera “Idyll” as a live sound installation in a castle ruin in the mountains of Tirol. The musicians were positioned at various points in the ruin and the audience was sounded in the middle.
On actors was completely waived the plot ran through chat messages. The background formed the ruin and the view into the Inntal at sunset. The main component was the music that was built around the audience with echo effects. Egid Jöchl will give an insight into his work with a focus on this work?

The masterclass will be held in English.

Egid Joechl

Egid Joechl was born on December 7, 1982, in Kitzbühel and grew up in the area. He studied composition and music theory at the University of Art in Graz and took part in various master classes. He writes works for different line-ups and different styles, with a focus on New music and Sound installations. In 2018 he was Artist in Residence in Lisbon and in 2019 in New York. In 2020 he was awarded the Hilde Zach Composition Scholarship from the City of Innsbruck. Egid Joechl currently lives and works in Innsbruck.
Link: www.joechl-music.com

Cost: 30 euro
* Για τους μαθητές και τις μαθήτριες του Κέντρου Χορού και Παραστατικών Τεχνών Ακροποδητί, φοιτητές-τριες, ανέργους-ες: 25 euro

Aerial yoga workshop lasting 4 hours over 2 days, designed to offer you a complete experience of the fundamental principles and techniques of aerial yoga. During the workshop, you will become familiar with the hammock, grips, and supports. Through practical experience, you will discover the numerous benefits of aerial yoga. There will be an introduction to safe and effective inversion techniques that decompress the spine and poses in the hammock that improve balance and concentration.
Movements in the air enhance blood circulation and provide a sense of upliftment while simultaneously reducing stress. You will then discover how poses can be combined into a flow, creating harmonious sequences and transitions, allowing you to experience the joy of movement and the sense of freedom that the hammock provides.
Each practice concludes with relaxation, giving you the opportunity to enjoy tranquility and inner peace. Join us to discover aerial yoga and boost your confidence by learning to trust your body and its capabilities.
This workshop is suitable for all skill levels.

Co existing – Improvisation workshop for dancers and musicians

During our residency we will explore ways in which we can connect as musician and dancer, in an attempt not to be detached from each other. While the relationship between dance and music is inextricably linked, how do the two become one in creation and ultimately on stage?
In this workshop we will approach the dynamic between dance and music, beginning with two key factors, the body and the space. Through exercises focusing on bodily awareness, our relationship to space and interaction, we will expand our observational awareness and, in extension, communication between musicians and dancers/performers, thus strengthening the connection of the group. We will improvise in a collective process, equally fed by all participants, ultimately creating a dynamic and vibrant environment. How can we all exist together in the present, creating a new composition beyond the distinction of music and dance?

Some key words are contact, listening, support, distance, connection, time, joy.

Musicians shall bring their instruments, acoustic or electronic, and wear comfortable clothes.

Olga Kalantzi

Olga Kalantzi was born in Athens in 1994. She studied at the Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering in Syros and at the Higher Professional School of Dance “Aktina” in Athens. She has worked with Akropoditi Dance Theatre in Syros and SQx Dance Company in Canada. She now lives in Athens and teaches traditional dances together with Andreas Segditsas. In 2023 she presented her solo “WRAP: a pocket guide to never escaping yourself” in Athens, Portugal and Turkey and took part in the All4fun audience theatre awards at the Ideal cinema. She also collaborates with Collective Spine for the work “La Soiree”.
She is interested in practices, improvisation tools and research on elements such as freedom and restriction, order and disorder, form and amorphousness, as well as collaboration and strengthening the connection between people.

Filippos Raskovic

Filippos Raskovic is a composer, improviser and curator from Athens, Greece based in Vilnius, Lithuania. His work creates a sonic world; accidental and composed, recognizable and unexpected simultaneously.
As a composer, he often creates interdisciplinary work with visual artists and in close relation to instrumentalists with a focus on the acoustics of objects, sculptures, and spaces. In 2021 he completed the performative installation “Echo Chambers” in close collaboration with the sculptor D.Tampakis which was developed during his FUGA residency in Spain and together with the collective UN P R 18T (Un. Processed Realities), they created “POST EUROPEAN RAGEROOM TM” a performance & pop-up exhibition shown at Centrum Berlin.
As an improviser, he self-released his first album “gentle presence” in 2020 and has performed at the Monopiano Festival 2021 at Fylkingen, Sweden, State51 Studios, London, Flatterschafft – Basel, Flatterschafft: THE END – DefDefDefinitive, Studium P, Vilnius and Chimeres, Athens, amongst others. He is also a founding member of “illucid trio” with Kazimieras Jusinskas and Gediminas Stepanavicius. In 2019 he co-founded the KRAMA collective and festival an independent initiative aiming to present a new outlook within the art scene of Athens and beyond. Finally, he is a monthly resident host at the independent web radio “Radio Vilnius” and co-producer of the show Krama Entries at movement radio.

Κόστος 2^ος κύκλος:
Κόστος κύκλου 8 μαθημάτων: 65 ευρώ
Κόστος κύκλου 4 μαθημάτων: 40 ευρώ
Κόστος 1 μαθήματος: 12 ευρώ

Κόστος 3^ος κύκλος:
Κόστος κύκλου 5 μαθημάτων: 45 ευρώ
Κόστος 1 μαθήματος: 12 ευρώ

* Η συμμετοχή στα μαθήματα δηλώνεται απαραιτήτως στην αρχή κάθε κύκλου.
Οι κύκλοι μαθημάτων συνεχίζονται καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια της χρονιάς.

Παρακαλούμε θερμά τους μαθητές και τις μαθήτριές μας να επικοινωνούν με τη γραμματεία τηλεφωνικά στο 22810-80690 ή μέσω ηλεκτρονικού μηνύματος στο email akropoditidancecentre@gmail.com πριν έλθουν στα μαθήματα αν δεν έχουν ολοκληρώσει την εγγραφή τους κατά την περίοδο των εγγραφών.

The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education uses gentle movement and directed attention to help people learn new and more effective ways of living the life they want. You can increase your ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement. Since how you move is how you move through life, these improvements will often enhance your thinking, emotional regulation, and problem-solving capabilities.

The Feldenkrais Method is based on principles of physics, biomechanics, and an empirical understanding of learning and human development. Moshe Feldenkrais said, “We move according to our perceived self-image.” By expanding your perception and increasing awareness, you will become more aware of your habits and tensions and develop new ways of moving. By increasing sensitivity, the Feldenkrais Method assists you to live your life more fully, efficiently, and comfortably.

You can experience the Feldenkrais Method in two ways. Awareness Through Movement® lessons are taught in a group setting, with students following the verbal instructions of the teacher. Functional Integration® sessions are one on one lessons where the fully clothed student is guided through touch, movement and verbal instruction.

* Τι πρέπει να έχετε μαζί σας: Άνετα ρούχα, κάλτσες, μια μικρή κουβέρτα και ένα μικρό μαξιλαράκι.
* Συστήνεται στα μαθήματα να φέρνει ο καθένας το δικό του στρωματάκι (στην περίπτωση που το διαθέτει ήδη) και το δικό του παγούρι ή μπουκαλάκι με νερό.

Περισσότερες πληροφορίες για τη Μέθοδο Feldenkrais: http://feldenkrais-method.org/en

Physicalising our identity through movement
Masterclass by Julian Nichols and Alex Henderson
Length: 3 hours

Engaging in a guided warm-up session, participants will focus on building connections, trust, and fostering a positive atmosphere. Icebreaker activities will encourage the sharing of personal stories, creating a sense of community and empathy among attendees.
Participants will delve into improvisation exercises, promoting free movement and self-expression. Emphasis will be on exploring individual identities, gender expressions, and unique artistic voices. Facilitators will offer prompts to guide participants in translating their emotions into movement, fostering a deeper connection to the subject matter.
The masterclass will include choreographic phrases designed to explore LGBTQ+ themes and experiences, incorporating diverse dance styles. Participants will broaden their movement vocabulary while deepening their understanding of the subject matter, connecting it to their personal journeys.

Julian Nichols

Julian Nichols, born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, is a talented dancer, choreographer, and activist. He has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary dance, both as a performer and as a promoter of gender inclusivity in the field. In 2017, Julian graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, SUNY. During his time at college, he had the opportunity to study abroad at Taipei National University of the Arts in Taipei, Taiwan, where he collaborated with renowned international artists, broadening his perspective on dance. Throughout his career, Julian has had the privilege of performing works by several esteemed choreographers, including Aszure Barton, Tom Weinberger, Jose Limón, Brian Brooks, Kyle Abraham, Darryl Tracy, Allen Kaeja, Rosalind Newman, Emily Molnar, Alexander Whitley, Carol Anderson, Fanny Ghoreyab, Hanna Kiel, Maxine Doyle, and Roy Assaf. His repertoire showcases his versatility and skill, allowing him to interpret a wide range of choreographic styles and concepts. Julian’s talent and versatility were also recognized when he had the opportunity to dance for Hanna Kiel’s Human Body Expression, demonstrating his artistic range in different collaborative endeavours. Additionally, Julian has made significant contributions to the Amina Khayyam Dance Company, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication as a dancer. His involvement with Nimbus Dance Works as a company member and his guest artist work with The Limón Company further solidify his reputation within the dance community. Furthermore, Julian’s skills have been sought after in the realm of television, music videos, and commercials, where he has brought his artistry to the screen, captivating audiences with his performances. His ability to adapt and excel in diverse settings is a testament to his versatility and professionalism as a dancer. Whether on stage, in front of the camera, or collaborating with fellow artists, Julian continues to leave an indelible mark on the dance industry. In his quest for artistic growth, Julian has actively sought training opportunities at prestigious dance programs and workshops. He has participated in Springboard Danse Montreal, The School at Jacob’s Pillow, Momentum Montreal, and the Movement Invention Project. These experiences have allowed him to refine his technique, expand his creative horizons, and connect with dancers and choreographers from around the world. In recent years, Julian has shifted his focus towards composition and activism. He founded his own nonprofit organization called Bodies in Action ~ enGendering Contemporary Dance, with the aim of promoting equal representation of all gender identities in the field of contemporary dance. Through this initiative, Julian strives to challenge traditional norms and create a more inclusive and diverse dance community. Since its inception, Julian has created a short dance film, two evening-length works, and multiple duets, solos, and group pieces. Julian’s passion for dance extends beyond his own performances and activism. He has also shared his knowledge and expertise through teaching engagements. He has conducted company classes for prestigious dance companies such as the Rambert Dance Company, New Adventures, Corey Baker Dance in London, and NDC Wales in Cardiff. By teaching and mentoring aspiring dancers, Julian contributes to the growth and development of the next generation of dance artists. Currently based in London, UK, Julian continues to make a profound impact on the dance world through his performances, choreography, and advocacy work. His dedication to pushing boundaries, challenging stereotypes, and fostering inclusivity in contemporary dance establishes him as a dynamic and influential figure in the field.

THE BOUNDLESS FOOD WORKSHOP

THE BOUNDLESS FOOD WORKSHOP is a live model course, with dancers exploring their gestures, to capture natural and exaggerating movements of their own eating habits. Participants, in turn, will pose and capture these gestures, like a therapy.
With this masterclass, I invite participants –from 16 years old– to embark on a sensory journey, challenging themselves to question their own relationship with food, confront their boundaries and discover new possibilities of moving.

Valentine Bouvet

Valentine BOUVET is a French artist and figurative painter born in 1994.
Her journey as an artist began during her childhood and later when she was experimenting with different art mediums. She first studies applied arts during high school where she developed a real interest in drawing and fashion design. Then, she decided to deepen both cursus and practice her art aside working for different brands as fashion designer.
During her 20’s, Valentine developed a deep passion for paintings and was particularly drawn to the expressive power of color. Her works delves into a wide range of costal and cultural issues, such as gender stereotypes, consumerism, beauty standards and the impact of social media. This year, she participates, for the second time, to Le Cercle de l’Art, a big community of women artists who work on sharing their artistic process and encouraging others to use art as a means of expression and social change.