AKROPODITI DANCE THEATRE – OVERVIEW
Akropoditi Dance Theatre was founded in 2004 under the artistic direction of Aggeliki Sigourou. Since 2005, it has operated as a Civil Non-Profit Company, with the aim of fostering cultural activity and research, as well as organizing events that engage the community with contemporary dance and theatrical expression.
Over the years, the Dance Theatre has developed significant collaborations, among which the following stand out:
• Collaboration with the Greek National Opera and choreographer Renato Zanella for the performance "The Choice of Medea", based on music from the opera "Medea" by Mikis Theodorakis, presented at the Aegean Festival, at the Apollon Theatre in Syros, in July 2011.
• Collaboration with composer Nikos Kypourgos and the Orchestra of the Cyclades for the performance "Medusa", presented in October 2014, also at the Apollon Theatre in Syros.
A notable distinction for the group was its 2016 Dance Award from the Hellenic Association of Theatre and Dance Critics, for the performance "Medusa" as well as for its overall work in regional areas.
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SELECTED PRODUCTIONS
2025 – ANGELIAFÓROS
The piece explores the concept and significance of the announcement, from the universally resonant and weighty speeches of messengers in ancient Greek tragedy, to the sensationalism, exaggeration, and indiscretion of contemporary journalistic discourse, and beyond human language, to the mysterious and incomprehensible voices of prophets and angels.
Concept – Direction – Choreography: Aggeliki Sigourou
2021 – ONCE UPON A PORT
Five dance-theatre pieces based on poetic texts from Mediterranean countries.
Concept – Choreography: Ariadni Psychogiopoulou, Manti Papandreou, Thalassini Nomikou, Antigoni Choundri
2018 – GLOSSA*
A work that approaches language as a search for voice in a new world.
Concept – Choreography: Aggeliki Sigourou
2014–2017 – MEDUSA
Based on the myth of Medusa, the performance toured Syros, Santorini, Crete, and Athens.
Concept – Choreography: Aggeliki Sigourou
2017 – PUNISHMENT
A theatre piece inspired by Kafka’s "The Trial" and Sonallah Ibrahim’s "The Committee".
Concept – Direction: Aggeliki Sigourou
2013–2015 – SEBASTIAN
Based on Tennessee Williams' "Suddenly Last Summer".
Concept – Choreography: Aggeliki Sigourou
2013 – TWO MOMENTS OF WAITING
A short look at waiting and the moment when expectations are met.
Concept – Choreography: Ioanna Antonarou, Ariadni Psychogiopoulou
2012 – PRAYER – A SKETCH IN 7 SCENES
The human existence in relation to the sacred, presented in seven scenes.
Concept – Choreography: Aggeliki Sigourou
2011 – THE CHOICE OF MEDEA
Choreography: Renato Zanella & Aggeliki Sigourou
World Premiere: Aegean Festival, Syros
Other productions include:
• PRAYER – First Sketch (2010)
• The Last Monster (2008)
• The Theatrical Art of Beasts (2007)
• Meetings (2006)
• The Fisherman and His Soul (2005)
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PARTICIPATION IN SCIENCE FICTION FESTIVAL (Syros)
Akropoditi Dance Theatre took part in the Science Fiction Festival in Syros from 2006–2009, presenting choreographic works such as:
• The last inhabitant of Earth will be (our) virus
• Love oblivion
• Blind Man’s Bluff
• The Next Moment
Concept – Choreography: Aggeliki Sigourou
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AKROPODITI CENTRE FOR DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS
Since January 2013, the Dance Theatre has maintained the Akropoditi Dance and Performing Arts Centre in Ermoupoli, Syros. The Centre is housed in two distinct and functionally designed spaces: the Teaching Studio and the Workshop & Residency Space for Artistic Actions and Events.
The Centre’s objectives include:
• The cultural development and creative enrichment of life in Syros.
• The systematic and multifaceted education of children and adults in classical and contemporary dance, with emphasis on both technical training and personal expression.
• The organisation of artistic and educational activities aimed at connecting the community with the performing arts.
• The provision of artistic residencies for creators from around the world, fostering dialogue and collaboration.
The space operates in a spirit of collaboration and remains open to local organisations, artists, and residents of Syros, as well as those from across Greece and abroad. It welcomes people of all ages, encouraging artistic initiative, free expression, and collective creativity.
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INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: AKROPODITI DANCEFEST
Since 2013, the Akropoditi DanceFest, an international festival of dance and performing arts, takes place every July in Syros. It was born from the need for creation, exchange, and communication between artists, audiences, and the local community, and is a natural continuation of Akropoditi Dance Theatre’s journey.
Over the years, the festival has become a reference point for contemporary dance and performance in Greece, hosting hundreds of artists from both Greece and abroad, and attracting audiences from around the world.
Key Features of the Festival:
Educational Workshops
Workshops covering a wide range of topics such as:
• Contemporary dance
• Physical theatre
• Improvisation
• Choreographic composition
• Vocal research
• Performance art
• Artistic writing
Open to both professionals and amateurs or students, these workshops are led by renowned artists and educators from Greece and abroad.
Performances
Held in both indoor and outdoor venues around Syros, the performances include:
• New creations
• International productions
• Work-in-progress presentations by workshop participants
The island becomes a living stage, offering audiences a variety of aesthetic approaches and experimental works.
Open Events and Activities
As part of the festival, public events take place in city spaces, such as:
• Open improvisation jams
• Artistic urban interventions
• Research presentations
• Discussions
• Video-dance screenings
• Multimedia performances
The festival encourages audience participation in a direct and interactive way.
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A GLOBAL NETWORK OF CREATION
In its 12 years of continuous presence, Akropoditi DanceFest has built a multifaceted network of activity, participation, and exchange—boosting Syros' position on the cultural map of Greece and beyond.
Its impact is reflected in the following numbers:
• 12 years of organization
• 35 countries represented by artists, teachers, and participants
• 308 artists showcased their work
• 125 contemporary dance and performing arts performances
• 204 instructors shared their knowledge and experience
• 179 workshops with diverse themes and artistic approaches
• 1,199 participants ranging from amateurs to professionals
• 185 volunteers actively supporting logistics and hosting
• 500 international guests, including artists, collaborators, and observers
• 6,533 spectators attended festival events and performances
These are not just statistics but rather a mirror of the vitality, connectivity, and human engagement cultivated by DanceFest through the years. A festival that continues to grow, guided by artistic research, pedagogical exchange, and collective spirit.
