TIP in Cyprus: Flow, Fall, and Fly (F.F.F.) by Fotis Nikolaou

Date: November 23, 2022
Location: THOC Building, Nicosia
Participants: 18

A Celebration of Movement and Gravity

On November 23, 2022, the Cyprus Theatre Organization (THOC) hosted Flow, Fall, and Fly (F.F.F.), an extraordinary contemporary dance workshop led by the acclaimed choreographer Fotis Nikolaou. As part of the Theatre in Palm (TIP) project, this event brought together professional dancers, dance students, and performing artists to explore the profound relationship between the human body, gravity, and the floor.

A Unique Physical Dialogue

The workshop delved into key questions about the body’s interactions with gravity:

• How does the body resist or yield to gravity?
• How does it build a tender and supportive relationship with the floor?
• How does the body move seamlessly, develop kinesiology patterns, and create connections with other bodies?

Through this innovative approach, participants explored a physical dialogue between the body and its environment, learning how to use the floor as a supportive ally to land, roll, and move dynamically.

Workshop Highlights

The session began with exercises focusing on how the body behaves in relation to gravity and the surface beneath it. Participants discovered ways to develop a “friendly” and efficient relationship with the floor, enabling smoother movement transitions, whether falling, rolling, or rebounding.

In the second part, the focus shifted to movement in space, exploring walking, falling, running, and alternating between small, controlled movements and explosive energy. The exploration culminated in dynamic kinesiology patterns that pushed participants to engage their creativity and adaptability in movement.

The Vision of Fotis Nikolaou

Fotis Nikolaou, a celebrated choreographer, dancer, and artistic director, led the workshop with the expertise of a seasoned performer and mentor. With a career spanning international festivals, Olympic ceremonies, and collaborations with esteemed directors, Nikolaou infused the workshop with inspiration and innovation. Participants benefitted from his deep knowledge of contemporary dance and his unique ability to merge artistic vision with practical techniques.

Nikolaou’s artistic background includes:

• Founding the X-it Dance Theatre Group and choreographing critically acclaimed works presented in renowned festivals like the Biennale de la Danse de Lyon and the Athens & Epidaurus Festival.
• Collaborating with the Greek National Opera, THOC, and numerous international institutions.
• Serving as a choreographer for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Participant Experience

The workshop, which welcomed 18 participants, provided a platform for both emerging and experienced dancers to learn, share, and grow. The intimate setting encouraged collaboration, while the guidance of Nikolaou ensured that each attendee could deepen their understanding of contemporary dance techniques.

Acknowledgments

The success of Flow, Fall, and Fly is a testament to the dedication of THOC and Theatre in Palm (TIP) in supporting creative exploration and professional growth in the performing arts. Special thanks go to Fotis Nikolaou for his unparalleled mentorship and to the participants whose enthusiasm brought the workshop to life.