Apostolia Papadamaki (she/her) is an internationally acclaimed choreographer and director, known for the transformative events that she shares with audiences worldwide.
She is also an Embodied Spirituality Mentor and an Ancient Greek Lineage Wisdom Carrier, blending artistic innovation with profound spiritual practices.
Driven by creativity, cultural heritage and a strong connection to her Ancient Greek heritage, Apostolia has gained extensive experience in conceptualizing, choreographing, and directing large-scale artistic projects, corporate events, opera, and film productions.
Apostolia's life project, Anamnesis, explores the fusion of ancient mysticism and contemporary performance. It integrates Ancient Greek Mythology, Philosophy, and History into site-specific, participatory performances at Greece's archaeological sites, supported by major public organizations.
Apostolia transforms performances into meaningful, shared experiences by promoting the osmosis of the arts and blending ancient traditions into performative rituals that evoke remembrance and deeply engage audiences.
-
Education & Studies
BA in Physical Education and Sports Science (Honors) – Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1988)
Diploma in Dance & Choreography (Honors) – State School of Dance, Athens (1992)
Performance & Choreography Studies – Merce Cunningham Studio & Movement Research, New York (1992–1997)
Scholarships – Alexander S. Onassis Foundation, Eliza & Vassilis Goulandris Foundation, Merce Cunningham Studio
Additional studies: Hatha Yoga (Jivamukti Center, NY), Alexander Technique (Shelley Senter), Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, Scuba Diving, Physical Theatre, Aikido, Japanese Tea Ceremony, Shamanic Practices.
Leadership & Administration
President, State School of Dance (2004–2006).
Artistic Director, Dimitria International Dance Festival, Thessaloniki (2013).
Member of the Board, Centre for Ancient Greek Drama (2004–2016).
Member of the Board, International Institute for Theatre – Greek Department (2006–2008).
Member of the Board, Athens Concert Hall (2016–2019).
Project Leader – EU Creative Europe programs (1999, 2015–2016).
Awards
1st Prize, Rallou Manou Choreography Competition (Greece).
2nd Prize, Bagnolet International Choreography Competition (France).
1st Prize for Theatre Choreography, Greek Curators Awards.
Early Career (1996–2001)
Artistic Director of Sinequanon Dance Co. (1996–2001)
Created full-evening works Transmutations, Jarden, Buster Keaton, Eros & Psyche, Temps Tendre, Tour de Force
Performed in Greece, Italy, Denmark, Germany, Cyprus, Finland, France
Tour de Force – Honorary distinction at International Choreographic Competition, Seine-Saint-Denis (1996)
Quasi Stellar AMKE (2002–today)
Founded Quasi Stellar AMKE (2002), researching new forms of site-specific and participatory performance.
Presented works in 25+ countries: Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Korea, Lithuania, Macedonia, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, UK, USA a.o.
Collaborated with international festivals: Julidans, Aerowaves, Fabrica Europa, Euro-scene Leipzig, LEV Spain, International Kalamata Dance Festival, Bogotá Festival, Sao Paolo International Dance Festival, and many more.
Major Performances & Projects
Large-Scale Productions
12th Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony, Athens (2004) – choreography for 600 dancers & 140 children, broadcast worldwide.
European Youth Presidency Opening Ceremony, Athens (2005).
European Gymnastics Championship Opening Ceremony, Volos (2006).
Groundbreaking Site-Specific Works
Transmutations (2000) – site-specific and participatory performance at the Old Mill Factory in Athens.
Drops of Breath (2015) – Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounio – world’s first underwater dance performance, with disabled and abled performers, underwater audience, underwater music. Part of EU Creative Europe project The Underwater Heart of the Mediterranean.
The Sleep & Dream Performance (2016) – Onassis Stegi, Athens – overnight participatory performance exploring collective dreaming, ritual, and embodied memory.
In the Eyes of God (2017) – Municipal Theatre of Piraeus – 12-hour overnight participatory performance with disabled and children participants, blending accessibility, ritual, and contemporary dance.
Anamnesis series (2018–today) – participatory ceremonial performances in archaeological sites and museums in Greece and Italy.
Anamnesis Milestones
From Darkness to Light (2018) – Temple of Apollo Epicurius, Peloponnese – 14-hour overnight participatory performance with 800 spectators.
Delos (2019) – Sacred Island of Delos – large-scale site-specific Anamnesis performance with international visibility.
Anamnesis / Ancient Zone (2020) – Alexandroupolis, Thrace – Full Moon performance with Giannis Stankoglou & Maria Papageorgiou, 800 spectators, under the aegis of GNTO & Ministry of Culture.
All is One (2021) – Minoan Palace of Zakros, Crete – site-specific Anamnesis, part of All of Greece, Crete festival, with local community, children & women’s participation, live-streamed nationally.
As Above So Below (2022) – Sanctuary of the Kabeiroi, Lemnos – participatory Anamnesis with 36 local participants, supported by the Ministry of Culture & GNTO. Produced a digital catalogue & documentary.
Ancient Souls in Human Bodies (2023) – Museo Castromediano, Lecce (Italy) – immersive Anamnesis performance within the permanent collection, merging body, myth, and archaeology.
The Oracles of Water (2023) – Archaeological Site of Delphi – participatory Anamnesis with community engagement, supported by the Greek Ministry of Culture, received unanimous approval from the Archaeological Council.
As a Shadow As a Dream (2024) – Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki – participatory Anamnesis about forgotten female figures, with 20 women from the local
community.
Promethean Chain (2024) – Museo Castromediano, Lecce (Italy), in collaboration with sculptor Kostas Varotsos, part of Tempora/Contempora festival.
Opera, Theatre, Film
Claudio Monteverdi’s L'incoronazione di Poppea (Athens Festival, 2011).
Choreographed 15+ productions for the National Theatre of Greece.
Choreographed for films (5 productions) and numerous commercials as well as corporate events (Vodafone, Opel Hellas, Grecotel, Amanzoe Hotel, PMI Greece/Papastratos, EY Greece, The American College of Greece etc.).
Teaching, Mentorship, Methodology
Biomatic Anatomy Method (founder) – holistic somatic practice integrating anatomy, breath, and embodied awareness.
The Happiness Retreat (founder) – international retreat platform combining Ancient Greek wisdom, movement, and spirituality.
Anamnesis Methodology – participatory site-specific ritual-performance method taught internationally.
Lectures & workshops at universities, museums, and festivals in Greece, Italy, UK, and abroad.
Developed community participation models involving children, women, disabled groups, and intergenerational participants.
Pedagogical & Participatory Practices & events (2020–2024)
Digital Choreographies during COVID lockdown: The Woman and the Sea (2020), The Woman and the Burned Forest (2020).
Zakros Seminar (2021) – Anamnesis Method for artists, archaeologists, and educators.
Lecce, Italy (2022 & 2024) – Lectures & 10-day methodology seminar at Archaeological Museum & Theatre Academy.
Medicine Festival UK (2024) – Peace Ceremony with 1000+ participants.
Women’s Empowerment Seminars, Kea Island, Donousa island.
Workshops & residencies in Corfu (2021–22) on dance, water, environment & climate change.
Digital seminars (2020–2024) reaching 100+ international participants annually.
For over 20 years, Apostolia has choreographed productions of Ancient Greek Tragedy, skillfully weaving Logos, Melos,and Orchesis (Word, Music, Movement) with a deep understanding of ritualistic performance. Her ability to orchestrate profound and participatory artistic experiences has solidified her reputation as a pioneer in the field.
Other major achievements include Synergy, the 12th Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony in Athens, broadcast globally, and From Darkness to Light, the first overnight experiential performance at a Greek archaeological site.
Apostolia's visionary artistry and innovative spirit led her to create the world's first underwater dance performance, Drops of Breath, at the Temple of Poseidon. This groundbreaking work, unanimously approved by the National Archaeological Council of Greece, gained worldwide exposure for its artistic, humanitarian, and environmental impact.
As the founder of The Happiness Retreat since 2016, Apostolia integrates her expertise in movement, healing arts, and spirituality into transformative workshops, retreats, and experiences. These programs combine Greece's ancient mysticism and healing traditions with embodied spirituality practices, offering participants holistic and life-changing experiences. Her lifelong studies span Water Healing, Music, Voice, Physical Theater, AiKiDo, Scuba Diving, Craniosacral Therapy, Breath-work, and Reiki.
This breadth of knowledge underpins her ability to create performances and workshops that empower and inspire. Apostolia’s talents and unique expertise lie in blending artistic innovation with a profound commitment to empowerment and inclusivity, making her a transformative force in the performing arts and beyond.
Her leadership roles include serving on the Board of Directors at The Athens Concert Hall and acting as President of the State School of Dance. She has also played a significant role in leading several EU Creative Europe programs, fostering international artistic collaborations.
Contact Us
Send us your message to begin the dialogue.