dancecenter

Dance and movement research workshop

The workshop starts with a score of movement improvisation in an atmospheric soundscape. Through this soundscape-score the participants are guided in a half-hour physical, imaginative and mental warm-up in a “ritual” that combines elements from somatic practices and from collective rituals that contain dance (concerts, celebrations, etc.), it focuses on relaxing the neck and cultivates a different perception of space, gravity and the body. At the same time, it cultivates relationships of collectivity and community in the group, while giving space to each one individually. Finally, in combination with the sound atmosphere, it activates imagination and memory.
Then with a series of movement and verbal tools, exercises and games the participants will explore the state of trance. Repetitive movements, rhythm, trust, “letting go” will be the main axes of the workshop.
Overall, the workshop invites participants to seek and practice those moments of flow and balance between individual and group, inner grounding and openness to the world.

Stali Symeon

Stali Simeon studied Political Science at university of Athens and Dance at Aktina Higher Professional School of Dance. She continues with post-graduate studies in Dance at the Antwerp Conservatory doing research on the corporeality and rituals of the social fringe. As part of her postgraduate research “This Dance Is Not For You” she participated in the residency 10 days to 10′, in the summer residencies at P.A.R.T.S. and DeSingel. Her work Eternally Alive, participated in the Container Festival in Thessaloniki, was presented in Athens at M54, and later a second version of the work Eternally Alive- A2 at the “On Bodies” Festival at the Dance House Nicosia. Since 2020 she collaborates with the BPM theater group as a choreographer (Rematia Festival, Mavromichali Theatre, PLYFA, Neos Kosmos Theatre, All Greece one Culture). In recent years she has participated as a dancer-performer in the creations of: La Coja Dansa, Belleville collective, Kiki Baka, Vaso Giannakopoulou, Sandra Grimma, Elisavet Pliakostathi, Hara Kassaraki, Varvara Bardaka, Anthi Drilia, Sofia Kouloukouri. She teaches dance and yoga.

The dynamics of movement
Masterclass with Athanasia Kanellopoulou

An integral part of any form of art is personal exploration, the diversity of each person’s perception and physical limitations. The body breathes, transforms, communicates, moves, feels, trusts, questions. An ambiguous universe is created, where movement and stillness, sound and silence, individuality and collectivity mix and coexist. The masterclass focuses on the musicality of the body, on the coordination and limitation of movement possibilities, in order to find new qualities and dynamics. Using personal movement and through improvisational instructions and choreographed compositions, we redefine the physicality and natural momentum of movement, discovering the freedom and different qualities that lead us to a clear perception of internal and external space.

Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Ages: 16+

Fee: 15 euro / 12 euro *
* for Akropoditi Dance & Performing Arts Centre’s students, students, unemployed

Duration: 2 hours

Athanasia Kanellopoulou is an Athens-based choreographer, dance performing artist and pedagogue, who owns a very rich history of collaborations with acclaimed choreographers and Dance Institutions around the globe. She creates her own methods from teaching into choreographing, filming, writing and collaborating with various artists from different disciplines. She is the founder of the multi-disciplinary platform and project-based Company “Athanasia Kanellopoulou Performing Arts’’, which has been supported and funded by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. She has lived and worked across Europe for over 18 years and has collaborated with prestigious Choreographers and Companies worldwide. Among others are: the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, where she toured with the company as a guest dancer, Les Ballets C de la B/ Koen Augustijnen, Jasmin Vardimon Company, Gregor Zoellig/Stadttheater Osnabruc, Rafaelle Giovanola- Cocoondance, Alexandra Waierstall and many others. She has choreographed more than 25 works, presenting them in festivals around the globe, and has created commission works for companies and Dance Institutions in Europe and the Middle East. She is currently living in Athens, and she is teaching Improvisation, Choreography and Repertoire Works at the School of the Greek National Opera and at the National School of Dance (KSOT).
www.athanasiakanellopoulou.com
AthanasiaKanellopoulouAK

Fee: 
Full cycle (8 courses): 65 euro
Half cycle (4 courses): 40 euro
Drop in: 12 euro

* Attendance in the courses must be declared at the beginning of each course cycle.
The courses continue throughout the year.

Body Re-education Lesson
A lesson of body re-education aiming at improving mobility and functionality of the body.
Through the Feldenkrais Method, we re-educate the musculoskeletal organization of the body, which is essential for functional movement.
It benefits those who suffer from neuromusculoskeletal and chronic pain, as well as those who wish to expand their movement abilities.
The lessons are suitable for all ages and no previous experience in movement is required.

WHAT IS THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD
The Feldenkrais Method, named after the Israeli Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais who created, taught, and spread it, is a method of body re-education aimed at improving mobility. It focuses on the relationship and interaction between our nervous and musculoskeletal systems, targeting their balanced cooperation, which is essential for the ergonomics and precision of every human action. It helps the individual improve many aspects of daily life — from simple walking or sitting to performance in more demanding activities.
It uses gentle movements designed to increase range of motion, ease of movement, and the overall functionality of the human body.
It benefits people suffering from neuromusculoskeletal and chronic pain or with movement difficulties, as well as those who want to expand their movement abilities.

LESSONS
The Feldenkrais Method is applied in two ways:
A. Group Lessons – ATM (Awareness Through Movement)
In group lessons, students are invited to observe, sense, and become aware of their bodies through a structured sequence of movements and to explore a specific function. The teacher verbally guides the students by proposing simple and slow movements that promote muscular relaxation, without unnecessary effort, always within the limits of what is “easy and comfortable” for each person. This allows the individual’s posture to change through the adoption of a new movement pattern.
Established, non-functional movement habits are replaced by new abilities and awareness. The focus of attention alternates between sensation, movement, awareness, and rest. This exploration aims at learning comfortable and efficient movement.
The effect of the lessons is immediate and profound: the student learns how to learn. At the same time, vitality and efficiency in daily functions are enhanced. Muscle tone is regulated, posture is reorganized, movement gains greater range and ease, and pain is reduced or even disappears. Each lesson lasts about one hour and is a distinct unit, depending on the bodily function it addresses (e.g. spinal rotation, flexion, extension, etc.). Movements are carried out mainly lying on the floor — on the back, side, or stomach.
B. Individual Lessons – FI (Functional Integration)
These are one-on-one sessions lasting about an hour, conducted on a special table and adapted to the individual’s needs. In FI, the teacher moves the student’s body with slow and precise movements, exploring their movement habits and proposing (through touch) easier and more effective possibilities.
Practically, the student remains passive, but in reality the body absorbs and integrates this new knowledge. As a result, less mobile areas are included in overall movement, while overloaded areas are released. Even after the very first session, the student perceives that they can move differently.

BENEFITS
• Improves movement and posture.
• Identifies physical habits that strain the skeleton and hinder daily life.
• Reduces pain in the lower back, neck, shoulders, back, knees, and more.
• Contributes to injury rehabilitation and teaches how to prevent injuries in the future.
• Improves coordination between body parts, facilitating movement, balance, and breathing.
• Revives forgotten movements of the body.
• Offers a sense of well-being and relaxation.
• Teaches better management of stressful situations without creating tension in the body.
• Helps us to better know ourselves through movement, to discover new possibilities, and to evolve.

WHO IT IS FOR
The Feldenkrais Method is suitable for all ages. It is recommended for people who suffer from chronic neuromusculoskeletal pain or have movement difficulties, for pregnant women, and for anyone wishing to expand their movement abilities, improve daily life, and strengthen body and mind.
Musicians, actors, athletes, and dancers enhance their abilities and creativity. Older adults are supported in maintaining or regaining the ability to move without effort, difficulty, or pain.

What to bring: a yoga mat, comfortable warm clothing, socks, a small blanket, and a pillow.

Vasso Giannakopoulou (www.vassogiannakopoulou.gr) was born in Athens. She studied dance at D. Grigoriadou’s school, at the preparatory program of the State School of Dance (K.S.O.T.), and graduated from the Center of Performing Arts. She dedicated herself to the study of the human body, which led her to her later training in the Feldenkrais Method. Since 1990, her dance career has been enriched by her participation in international productions and her teaching of contemporary dance.
Her first choreographic work, NightMirror (2003), was presented at the Kalamata International Dance Festival and the Athens Dance Festival. Together with Tasos Palaioroutas, she founded the Dalika Dance Theater (2004). Her works Digono, Fyllo kai Ftero, Pouthena, Eugenis Apodraseis, Maria Goes to the River, Pythonos 36, Flutter, have been presented at international dance festivals in Greece and abroad.
She was part of the choreographic team of the 2004 Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the opening ceremony of the European Games in Baku 2015, under the artistic direction and staging of D. Papaioannou.
She co-founded the Dance Association, through which a series of actions, choreographic workshops, and performances were realized at the Kalamata International Dance Festival, the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, and in theaters across Greece.
She has directed movement in theater performances with directors including D. Xanthopoulos, D. Olbrychski, G. Mavraganis, N. Foskolou, among others.
She is a certified Feldenkrais practitioner and teaches group and individual Feldenkrais lessons regularly in Syros and Athens. She has also led seminars in Zurich, Nafplio, Tinos, Heraklion (Crete), Patras, Aegina, Larissa, Chios, and in the professional dance schools of the Greek National Opera and Aktina.

Arianna Bonacina and Martí Ramis from Apolvere will offer an open level, two hours masterclass where they will share some exercises about their own personal practice, including both technical and improvisational tools, as well as some set material. The class will be divided in two main parts. After the warmup we will lead improvisations through tasks that will be focused on the use of the space, the shift of attention from different body parts and isolations. The second part of the masterclass will be about the transmission of some set material from their practice, mainly focused on floor work and multi-dynamic exercises.

Apolvere

Apolvere is an emerging dance/performance duo created and co-directed by Arianna Bonacina and Martí Ramis Muñoz. They are coming respectively from Italy and Spain and they met in their education in Salzburg. During their staying in Austria, they started creating together after realising they shared a common vision for scenic art. Their work is centred on creating fragmented realities where detailed dynamics of human actions and interactions are analysed and portrayed through the use of different medias. They mainly treat topics that have solid connection with the socio-political context they come from. This starting point generates a base for transversal reflections as they believe that art forms are deeply interconnected with societies and politics. Their long-term goal as a duo would be to be able to bring their work in different contexts as a way to open up spaces of confronting and discussing about cultural baggage and its implications in ones’ approach to collectivity.

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.
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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!