Step Inside Christos Papadopoulos' World

Greek choreographer Christos Papadopoulos has earned a reputation for his distinctive movement language, which is often described as minimalist. Trained at Amsterdam’s School for New Dance Development (SNDO) and the National Theatre of Greece, he has created acclaimed works including Elvedon, Opus, Ion, and LARSEN C, alongside commissions for Nederlands Dans Theater, Lyon Opera Ballet, and Dance On. In 2025, Papadopoulos received the prestigious Sadler's Wells Rose International Dance Award.

Here, we share translated excerpts of a recent interview with Greek journalist Katerina I. Anesti, in which Christos Papadopoulos discusses his artistic process and some of the existential themes that ignite it.

Papadopoulos' creative process begins with months of working alone in the studio, exploring movements through his own body before sharing it with others: “I go into the studio and spend months working alone. I dance alone; I physically write a phrase. If I don't feel it first, I can't ask for it from someone else. If I don't experience it myself, I don't have the right to demand it.”

For Papadopoulos, the goal is to create moments that transcend technique or narrative and connect with something authentic: “It has nothing to do with technique, it has nothing to do with the story. It is a moment when something real bursts forth. That is where I feel it is worth it.”

Inspired by minimalist composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass, Papadopoulos sees repetition as a way to reveal unexpected layers of meaning: “I realized that repetition isn't just idleness; it’s a way to reveal deeper meanings. If you listen closely for long enough, something new will emerge.”

His work also reflects a personal fascination with life and mortality. As he approaches 50, he admits his perspective on death has become more complicated, though he continues to seek beauty and reassurance through art: “I always thought there was nothing after this life. Just us, chemical compounds, and that death sets us free. But now, as I near 50, it’s getting harder. Fear creeps in. I feel a bit of panic. But even so, I still don't believe in anything. And that complicates things.”

Art offers him a way to approach these questions with curiosity rather than certainty, but there is also a lighter side to the choreographer. In My Fierce Ignorant Step, Papadopoulos turns his attention to the exhilaration of being alive. Created for ten charismatic dancers, the work builds through breath, voice, and movement into an ecstatic celebration of hope and togetherness. As the dancers pulse with an infectious rhythm, the choreography captures the boundless energy of youth and the feeling that anything is possible. It is an invitation to surrender to the present moment and experience the sheer joy of being alive.