Arianna Economou’s journey to dance is a profound exploration of life, where the act of dancing becomes a way to come to terms with death. Hidden behind a curtain in her rehearsal space in old Kaimakli, shelves filled with boxes dating back to 1983 tell the story of her 50-year career in modern dance, rich with memories of performances and creations.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Having studied dance in London during the 1970s, Arianna faced challenges that nearly derailed her aspirations. “I recognised I was not good enough for dance,” she admits, reflecting on her struggles with technique and body image. An early stint at Ballet Rambert highlighted the differences in training among dancers, making her realise that her path lay elsewhere.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
It was at Dartington Hall School in Devon where Arianna found her true calling. Initially enrolled for theatre studies, she discovered the world of postmodern dance, which offered a holistic understanding of movement. “The first thing I was told was to ‘stand around my centre line’… and that was the beginning of the holistic understanding of dance,” she recalls, emphasising the connection between the body and emotional expression.
Arianna’s career has been marked by experimentation and a willingness to embrace controversy. One of her most provocative works, Body/Space, sparked outrage when it aired on television in the 1980s. Despite the backlash, she had already laid the groundwork for a long and impactful career, collaborating with influential artists and exploring themes that resonated deeply with her personal experiences.
As she prepares for her upcoming performance, Heart’s Sacred Touch, on May 28-30, Arianna reflects on its significance. The piece is dedicated to her late friend Ruth Keshishian, a beloved figure in the local cultural scene, and represents a journey through grief and beauty. Inspired by Byzantine frescoes, it encapsulates the passage from life to death, embodying the idea that death is not an end but an opportunity for renewal.
“Out of the pain of the heart, and loss, space is created because of separation – and this gap of separation is filled with the creative act,” Arianna explains. For her, the act of creating art is a response to the void left by loss, a way to honour those who have passed while celebrating the beauty of life.
Arianna’s approach to dance has evolved over the years. As she navigates the complexities of ageing, she finds that her work has become less about physicality and more about presence. “As the ageing happens, the dance becomes – less about the act of dancing, more like a ritual of being there in the space,” she notes, reflecting on how her relationship with her body continues to change.
Her daughter, Alexandra Waierstall, has also forged her own path in dance, and Arianna expresses gratitude for the experience of motherhood, even as she acknowledges the challenges it posed to her artistic pursuits. The relationship between her life and her art remains intertwined; dance is an extension of herself, a canvas for expressing her innermost thoughts and feelings.
“I’m grateful for this body. Very grateful,” she laughs, acknowledging the duality of the physical experience of dance and the deeper emotional resonance it carries. In her work, she strives to bridge the often-contradictory aspects of life and art, using dance as a means of personal healing and self-expression.
As the rehearsal begins, with her collaborator Giorgos Bizios arriving, the space fills with an energy that reflects Arianna’s lifelong dedication to her craft. For her, the act of dancing is a personal journey that transcends traditional boundaries, inviting others to join in a shared exploration of the human experience.
Through her work, Arianna Economou continues to challenge perceptions of dance, creating a dialogue about beauty, loss, and the transformative power of art. Her journey, marked by deep introspection and a commitment to authenticity, serves as a testament to the profound impact that dance can have on both the artist and the audience.
