About – Unplugged Dance

IDENTITY

Unplugged Dance is a newborn dance platform focusing on research and education, based in the village of Neochori, Lefkada. This artist lead initiative was inspired by Kyveli Kouvatsi and Giorgos Sioras Deligiannis with the aim of exploring the present independent dance scene, its ways and methods, its interests and togethernesses. Their own quest in research and education made their need to connect with similar individuals that pursue a way of doing what they do with care and with the intention of sharing and communicating it, even more important and vivid. The arterial idea of Unplugged Dance has sprung from a yearning to connect dance as a practice of embodiment and other relative practices with a vivid community, in a sustainable and decentralized way that preserves the independent nature of the enterprise.

VISION

Our vision is to facilitate a strong educational program, supported by local and international active practitioners and researchers, based on alternative educational models and their potentials in dance and somatics. In doing so, we hope to familiarize a broader audience with the present corporeal practices and methods. Furthermore we want Unplugged Dance to constructively contribute to the broader dialogue around issues of contemporary education and research on dance and soma related practices.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Instructors

Through an open call we select artists, researchers and/or educators coming from the field of dance or other soma related practices and having a research of their own to share, one that leads to a specific method, methodology or simply a way of doing what they do that relates with the core of our interest.

Participants

Εveryone who wants to meet, share, dance and self-explore through movement and creative process. There is no need for previous experience in dance classes, although if there is one, it is welcome.

Professionals

For professional artists, researchers and/or educators that are looking for a residency within a vivid community Unplugged Dance provides accommodation and research space throughout the year, where individuals coexist, exchange feedback and develop their creative ideas.

Dates for the residencies are being announced along with the related Open Call and differ from the dates of the educational program.

Why are we interested in an embodiment approach?

Practices of embodiment aren’t something new. They are related to Yoga, Tai Chi and among others, many approaches to meditation. In 1976 Thomas Hanna introduced the term Somatics for the first time to include a number of practices that are all about embodiment in their approach and have already been flourishing in the 60s. Since then, they have been growing in context and number. In dance, we find more and more often techniques and methods related to improvisation that shift the approach from shape to sensations and from goal oriented to inner research.

In Unplugged Dance we choose to emphasize on the importance of embodiment in dance education, research and choreography, in order to approach dance in a more open and inclusive way that can relate to self-determination, empowerment and expression. Such an approach is more than a need to escape from instructions or an image orientated approach. It is a way to strengthen the ability to listen to yourself by listening to your body, a dance -metaphorically- and literally speaking beyond the pursuit of a perfect form that serves a liberating process of acceptance and joy.

Our intention is to meet and highlight dance methods or techniques that may exist around the world and approach dance as a practice of embodiment.

We hope that this initiative can be one among others that can serve such a dance.

Giorgos Sioras Deligiannis

Graduate of National School of Dance (2014), dancer, choreographer and curator in the field of dance research and education. He curated Platform for the performing arts Meta (2015-2019), meetings for artistic research and creation (2018-2019) and co-curated festival Lycabettus (2020-2021). For the past seven years collective initiatives have been a main source of interest, reflection and a place to be. His personal artistic research raises questions regarding identity and creates practices that provoke the relation between the public and the private space. Since 2018 he has showcased two series of works, The Selfy Series and Regulatory Bodies, both partly founded by the Greek Ministry of Arts. Since 2009 he has been a yoga instructor and currently he has been giving classes mainly outdoors throughout the year.

Full bio

Kyveli Kouvatsi

Kyveli Kouvatsi (born in Lefkada, Greece) has graduated from National School of Dance (2021), and she is finishing her studies in School of Drama – Faculty of Fine Arts – Auth. She lives in Athens and seeks different ways to exist through dance, research, sharing and learning. Since 2020 she has been working on the practice of Losing Ground, with Giorgos Sioras Deligiannis, evolving together the research mainly in terms of teaching methodology, and facilitating a first workshop (Losing Ground | Suggestions on consensual movement) in October 2021. Since then they have been teaching open Losing Ground courses, workshops and continue their common practice. She is the co-founder and co-curator of the Unplugged Dance educational program and the artistic hosting space Paleochori in Neochori, Lefkada, Gr. In November 2022, she presented the film “About Dance Education and Other Mysteries | Interviews of graduates and seniors in 2021”, a documentary about professional dance education in Greece. With an intention to continue exploring and learning through different roles, she is currently sharing improvisation and movement research courses in Athens, Gr.

Full bio

Paleochori

Paleochori is a camp hosting educational programs and retreats for dance and somatics. It is located on the hills above the famous Nidri of Lefkada. Four and a half wooded hectares of land, on a side hill that enjoys a breathtaking view of Prigiponisia (a complex of seven islands, Meganisi, Skorpios, Skorpidi, Sparti, Madouri, Cheloni and Tsokari)

The remote site of Paleochori camp offers only sounds of nature while the surrounding mountains provide a uniform evening shadow. You can reach the camp by a 5 minutes drive from Neochori or 15 minutes from Nidri. The land is cleaned and leveled with a number of retaining walls more than a hundred years old that have been recently restored, so that tents can be placed in different locations. The main element that stands out in the land is a large wooden patio of a whopping 95 square meters (9m X 10,5m).

The space is also equipped with autonomous wc facilities, showers with hot water and specially designed areas for resting in the shadow under the trees with swings and hammocks. Our primal need was to treat the surrounding space with care and respect for the environment and all the living beings of the land. For that reason we use only biodegradable soap and shampoo in the showers. We also use solar lamps in order to light the area.

Neochori is a mountain village (300m) of Lefkada, about 5km from Nidri. Serenity and impressive view as well as absence of shops are distinguishing features of the village. Instead, there is plenty of green, four springs and a number of paths which are taken care of by the village community every year.

This village was once abandoned by the locals, when they gradually began to approach the coastal areas. Years later, around the late 70’s and early 80’s, it was rediscovered by people looking for a quiet place close to nature. Somehow it started to attract hippies, artists, people from different parts of the world and finally a community was created.

Today only a few of the families that first settled there remain in the village, but new ones have come, creating a mixture of people and cultures. In recent years, cultural association has been activated and the old school of the village has been renovated, where various activities take place, such as exhibitions, presentations, film screenings, festivals, seminars, etc. Especially in the summer months the village hosts a lot of people from different parts of the world.

Lefkada is a Greek island in the Ionian sea located on the West Coast of Greece. It is famous worldwide for its stunningly beautiful beaches with transparent, turquoise waters, combined with the rich flora covering the mainland.

You can find below some useful information on how you can get to the island of Lefkada.

How to get to Neochori:

1. The nearest airport to Lefkada is that of Preveza-Aktion (PVK), approximately 25 minutes away by car.

1A. As soon as you get to the airport, you can get a taxi all the way to Neochori village (taxi fare is about 70 euros). In this case we can help you by calling one on request at least 24 hours earlier.

1B. Another option is to take a taxi from the airport to Lefkada city (40 euros), and from there, take the bus from the Bus Terminal Ktel Lefkadas, and take the departure to Nidri. The ticket price is between 1,60 euros to 3,40 euros. Since you reach Nidri town, you can get a taxi from there to Neochori (15 euros). There is a taxi station near the bus station, or we can help you by calling one on request at least 24 hours earlier. In this case the whole distance will cost about 60 euros.

1C. You can take a bus from the airport to Lefkada city (3 euros), then take another departure to Nidri (1,60-3,40) and from there a taxi to Neochori (15 euros). The total cost in this case is about 22 euros. There is a taxi station near the bus station, or we can help you by calling one on request at least 24 hours earlier. Here you can find the departures from Airport to Lefkada https://ktel-lefkadas.gr/en/routes/airport-preveza/ and here from Lefkada to Nidri https://ktel-lefkadas.gr/en/routes/local/

2. In case you prefer to arrive at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) you can take a bus from Athens Long Distance Bus Terminal ‘KTEL’. The distance is 340 km by bus, almost 5 hours including the 20′ break along the road. From the Airport take the city bus (X93) or a taxi to the Athens Long Distance Bus Terminal ‘KTEL’ (Address: Kifissou st. 100, Tel: +30 210 5124910-11 , website: https://ktel-lefkadas.gr/athens/ ) from where buses depart to Lefkada. The one way ticket price is 34 euros.

As soon as you arrive in Lefkada city, you can choose between taking a taxi all the way to Neochori (taxi fare is about 40 euros), or taking the bus to Nidri and from there taxi to Neochori (as mentioned above).

Bus terminal website: https://ktel-lefkadas.gr/athens/

Other airports close to Lefkada are Zakynthos airport (ZTH) and Kefalonia airport (EFL).

DRIVING TO LEFKADA:

Lefkada may be an island but it is connected to the mainland by a 50 meters floating bridge. So it is easy to reach the island just by driving, through the Greek National Road 42 which is a highway in northwestern Aetolia-Acarnania that links the town of Lefkada with the Greek National Road 5 (Antirrio – Arta – Ioannina) in Amfilochia, passing through the town of Vonitsa.

The first town you reach by entering the island is Lefkada city, the capital and main town of the island of Lefkada, located in its northern and northeastern part.

From there, you can easily find the village which is located above Nidri (east side), after the village of Paleokatouna. The duration is approximately 25-30 minutes away from the town.

FROM NEOCHORI TO NIDRI, LEFKADA AND THE REST OF THE ISLAND

Since Sundays in our programme will be free time, we provide you with some useful information in order to explore other places on the island. We can also help you by calling a taxi on request at least one day earlier.

Local routes by bus: https://ktel-lefkadas.gr/en/routes/local/

You can also visit the very up to date website of Lefkada Slow Guide (here) to seek more information about the island of Lefkada.

Volunteering is a key practice in Unplugged that plays an important role in the proper regulation of the program and at the same time allowing us to offer a partial experience of the program for free .

For more information please feel free to send us your message via Contact us section or directly to unpluggeddance@gmail.com and get informed for all the volunteering possibilities.

Deadline extended | Job offer | Open call for workshops | Unplugged Dance | August - September 2023

8.12.2022

We are looking forward to meeting our new team of collaborators for the second expanded edition of the Unplugged Dance educational program!

Where: Neochori, Lefkada, Greece

When: 7 days between July 31 – Sep 24, 2023

Deadline for applications: December 7, 2022

This call is addressed to dance artists/educators interested in leading a workshop that approaches dance as a practice of embodiment and emerges from personal research.

Candidates must have an original practice/method/technique of their own to share in the form of an open level workshop for professionals and non-professionals. This year, with an intention to deepen more in our quest of how we can experience dance while enriching it with the qualities of somatic practices, we are broadening the spectrum by looking not only for educators but also for choreographers, dance artists and healers. Our interest lies in approaching qualities such as exploration of the soma (body) as perceived from within, observation, care, acceptance, self-reflection, non-goal orientation, non-hurry and non-interventionism, through different paths related to dance. Candidates, depending on their subject of interest, may focus more on one of the following:

performative practices that examine the subjective realities of the dancing body /

self-exploring and creative processes /

healing through dance.

In any case, your work must have already been presented in the form of a workshop, a research and/or a performance.

In Unplugged Dance we choose to emphasize on the importance of embodiment in dance education, research and choreography, in order to approach dance in a more open and inclusive way that can relate to self-determination, empowerment and expression. Such an approach is more than a need to escape from instructions or an image orientated approach. It is a way to strengthen the ability of listening to yourself through listening to your body. A dance -metaphorically and literally speaking- beyond the pursuit of a perfect form, that serves a liberating process of acceptance and joy. Our intention is to meet and highlight dance methods or techniques that may exist around the world and approach dance as a practice of embodiment.

We provide:

-Payment of 720 euros

-Accommodation in bell tent (with bed) and meals per day

-A part of travel expenses for teachers coming from abroad can be paid after arrangement

Requirements:

-Leading a workshop in English for six days (a total of 16,5 hours) during July 31 to September 24, 2023. The week will be determined in mutual consultation

-We will need an invoice from your business entity in order to pay for your services.

To apply:

Please send via email at unpluggedopencall@gmail.com :

-Your CV / bio

-Text (pdf), photos (attached), video link and any other info you prefer in order to present your workshop

-Small summary (pdf), 3-9 photos and a portrait of yourself (attached) as well as video link of your workshop, that could be used for promotion in case of collaboration.

Open call for workshops | Unplugged Dance | August - September 2023

9.11.2022

We are looking forward to meeting our new team of collaborators for the second expanded edition of the Unplugged Dance educational program!

Where: Neochori, Lefkada, Greece

When: 7 days between July 31 – Sep 24, 2023

Deadline for applications: December 7, 2022

This call is addressed to dance artists/educators interested in leading a workshop that approaches dance as a practice of embodiment and emerges from personal research.

Candidates must have an original practice/method/technique of their own to share in the form of an open level workshop for professionals and non-professionals. This year, with an intention to deepen more in our quest of how we can experience dance while enriching it with the qualities of somatic practices, we are broadening the spectrum by looking not only for educators but also for choreographers, dance artists and healers. Our interest lies in approaching qualities such as exploration of the soma (body) as perceived from within, observation, care, acceptance, self-reflection, non-goal orientation, non-hurry and non-interventionism, through different paths related to dance. Candidates, depending on their subject of interest, may focus more on one of the following:

performative practices that examine the subjective realities of the dancing body /

self-exploring and creative processes /

healing through dance.

In any case, your work must have already been presented in the form of a workshop, a research and/or a performance.

In Unplugged Dance we choose to emphasize on the importance of embodiment in dance education, research and choreography, in order to approach dance in a more open and inclusive way that can relate to self-determination, empowerment and expression. Such an approach is more than a need to escape from instructions or an image orientated approach. It is a way to strengthen the ability of listening to yourself through listening to your body. A dance -metaphorically and literally speaking- beyond the pursuit of a perfect form, that serves a liberating process of acceptance and joy. Our intention is to meet and highlight dance methods or techniques that may exist around the world and approach dance as a practice of embodiment.

We provide:

-Payment of 720 euros

-Accommodation in bell tent (with bed) and meals per day

-A part of travel expenses for teachers coming from abroad can be paid after arrangement

Requirements:

-Leading a workshop in English for six days (a total of 16,5 hours) during July 31 to September 24, 2023. The week will be determined in mutual consultation

-We will need an invoice from your business entity in order to pay for your services.

To apply:

Please send via email at unpluggedopencall@gmail.com :

-Your CV / bio

-Text, photos, video link and any other info you prefer in order to present your workshop

-Small summary, 3-9 photos and video link of your workshop, as well as a portrait of yourself that could be used for promotion in case of collaboration

EARLY BIRD EXTENSION FOR UNPLUGGED DANCE SUMMER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM UNTIL JUNE 24, 2022

1.6.2022

Our Early-Bird offer deadline has been extended until June 24!

Book your spot now and join us this summer with a 30% discount on all packages!

Where: Neochori, Lefkada, Greece

When: 22nd of August – 11th of September

Deadline for applications: Early bird offer has been extended until June 24th, 2022

Unplugged Dance is a summer dance program that gives participants the chance to experience original workshops at first hand from inspiring educators and artists in the fields of contemporary dance and somatic practices from all over the world.

It is a full-package experience including dance workshops, accommodation and meals for one, two or three weeks, depending on your choice.

What to expect:
-2 workshops per week
-every morning Monday to Saturday Yoga Class
-3 meals per day are provided, plant-based, with fresh, local, organic products
-accommodation in Foodpath Guesthouse (room) or Paleochori Camp (camping)
-exploring original dance and somatic practices
-workshops with experienced teachers
-connecting with other people from all over the world
-community activities in nature
-staying in a serene wooded location
-having classes outdoors, in openair patios surrounded by trees and enjoying an impressive view
-enjoying your free time in beautiful beaches with turquoise waters

Every week is designed as a complete program and participants may attend for one, two or three weeks. Participants can choose between group a or b, depending on which of two workshops will be their main one. Both groups will have access to a morning yoga class.

1st week 22.8 – 27.8 with
Sonia Ntova (The Nomadic School of Moving Thought) & Androniki Marathaki (Let’s be comfortable in our skin: A’ round)

2nd week 28.8 – 4.9 with
Ainara Makalilo (DADA workshop on unpredictable dance) &
Giorgos Sioras Deligiannis & Kyveli Kouvatsi (Losing Ground – Suggestions on consensual movement)

3rd week 5.9 – 11.9 with
Rafaela Sahyoun (The Body The Player The Journey) & Marina Tsartsara (Somatic Art Practice)

The workshops can be both challenging for professional dancers that want to deepen in their practice as well as welcoming for non professionals.

Classes will take place in two openair shaded patios, as well as in natural locations of the village.

All workshops will be taught in English.

How to apply: Find the link with our Registration Form by clicking on the button BOOK YOUR SPOT (find the button in the end of the Workshops pages (Overview/Schedule/Teachers/Services/Pricing).

Fill in the registration form https://forms.gle/Lz7pGwmWJEe2VzGfA and then you will receive an answering email during the next 24 hours.

In case you have questions, need more information, or you are facing any difficulty with the registration form, please let us know by sending us an email directly at unpluggeddance@gmail.com

Costs for participants: Costs begin from 731 € (1 week) and from 1594 € (whole program). For more information please visit our website (Workshops→ Pricing). Don’t lose our Early Bird prices until 24th of June!

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR UNPLUGGED DANCE 2022 SUMMER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN LEFKADA, GREECE

21.5.2022

We are thrilled to announce our first open call for Unplugged Dance 2022 summer Scholarships!

We provide two full scholarships and four partial!

Where: Neochori, Lefkada, Greece

When: 22nd of August – 11th of September

Deadline for applications: June 6, 2022

WORKSHOPS & TEACHERS

1st week 22.8 – 27.8 with
Sonia Ntova (The Nomadic School of Moving Thought) & Androniki Marathaki (Let’s be comfortable in our skin: A’ round)

2nd week 28.8 – 4.9 with
Ainara Makalilo (DADA workshop on unpredictable dance) &
Giorgos Sioras Deligiannis & Kyveli Kouvatsi (Losing Ground – Suggestions on consensual movement)

3rd week 5.9 – 11.9 with
Rafaela Sahyoun (The Body The Player The Journey) & Marina Tsartsara (Somatic Art Practice)

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM

-Two workshops per week (72hours)
-One daily morning yoga class (27hours)
-Three meals per day

Traveling expenses are not included in the scholarship.

How to apply: Applicants must send a short video with a 3-5 minutes duration, preferably via youtube or vimeo link to unpluggeddance@gmail.com

In the video you have to:

1. Make short presentation of yourselves, the relation you have with dance and/or movement practices.
2. Describe in which way you find this program interesting.
3. This program is designed for both professionals and non professionals. Nevertheless, we would like to give scholarship to someone that would benefit the most out of it. In that sense, we would really like to know how would you benefit from Unplugged Dance physically /emotionally /mentally /educationally / professionally or in any other way?

The applications for scholarships are open until June 6, 2022.

Results will be announced on the 10th of June.

EARLY BIRD OFFER FOR UNPLUGGED DANCE SUMMER DANCE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM UNTIL MAY 31, 2022

1.5.2022

Don’t miss your chance to take advantage of Early Bird prices for Unplugged Dance until May 31, 2022!

Places are limited, book your spot now and gain a 30% discount on all packages!

Where: Neochori, Lefkada, Greece

When: 22nd of August – 11th of September

Deadline for applications: Early bird offer is on until May 31st, 2022