Choreographer and visionary artist Zoi Tatopoulos has carved a space for herself in the dance world with her unique style of visceral movement. From competing in So You Think You Can Dance Greece to working with artists like FKA twigs, Zoi’s journey is a testament to the power of individuality and creative exploration. Here’s an inside look at her artistic path, choreographic process, and advice for dancers seeking their own voice.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your dance journey? How did you first get into dance?
Zoi: I started dancing at a young age, but it wasn’t something I took seriously right away. I was always a very physical person. I loved moving, playing, and expressing myself through my body. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized dance was more than just a hobby for me. It was a way to communicate without words and express things that I couldn’t say out loud.
As I started training, I became fascinated by how movement could tell a story and create emotions in both the dancer and the audience. I studied different styles, pushing myself to understand not just the physicality of dance but also the artistry behind it. Over time, I found my own voice within movement, something that felt organic to me. I didn’t want to just focus on technique. I wanted to move in a way that was unique and personal. That’s what really solidified my path as a dancer and choreographer.
Q: Competing in So You Think You Can Dance Greece and reaching the Top 4 was a significant achievement. How did this experience impact your career trajectory?
Zoi: That experience was life-changing. It was my first real introduction to the industry on a professional level, and it pushed me to grow quickly, not just in skill but in resilience, adaptability, and stage presence.
I had to push past exhaustion and self-doubt, learning to perform under pressure and take criticism without letting it break me. Reaching the Top 4 gave me confidence and showed me that people connected with my movement. After the show, new opportunities opened up, and I knew I wanted to keep building my career in dance.
Q: Your movement feels otherworldly and hypnotic. How would you describe your style, and what inspired you to explore dance in such a unique way?
Zoi: I think my style is a blend of fluidity, control, and storytelling. It’s almost like controlled chaos. There’s a softness to it, but also a sharpness when needed. I love playing with textures in movement, where one moment can feel weightless and ethereal, and the next can be intense and grounded.
My inspiration comes from a lot of different places. Music is a huge one. Certain sounds just make my body react in a way that feels natural. I’m also really drawn to things that feel surreal or dreamlike, whether it’s art, film, or even the way people move in everyday life. Sometimes the smallest gestures, like the way someone turns their head or shifts their weight, can inspire a whole sequence of movement. I never wanted to fit into one specific category. I’ve always felt that dance should feel like an extension of who you are, rather than just a technique to master. That’s why I explore movement in a way that feels honest to me. It’s not just about looking impressive, it’s about evoking something real.
Q: When you approach choreography, what’s your process? Do you start with a concept, the music, or just let the movement take shape organically?
Zoi: It always starts with the music. I’ll sit with my headphones on and meditate to the track over and over, breaking it down section by section until I’ve memorized its rhythms and nuances. The following day, I take that internalized connection into the studio and translate my ideas to my assistant, who helps me bring the movement to life with a fresh perspective.
Once the choreography starts taking shape, we refine it together, tweaking and adjusting based on what feels right in the moment. That’s where the magic happens. My assistant is such an important part of my process, especially as I navigate my ACL recovery. Having someone who understands my movement and can help interpret it physically has been a game-changer. The process is always evolving, but at its core, it’s about feeling the music and letting it guide me.
Q: You’ve worked across different mediums, from live performance to music videos and film. How does your approach to movement change depending on the setting?
Zoi: Each medium requires a different energy. Live performance is about presence and projection, making sure even the person in the back row feels the emotion. It’s raw and in the moment, and every performance is slightly different because of the energy exchange with the audience.
With film and music videos, the camera changes everything. Small details, like a hand gesture or shift in weight, carry more weight because of how they’re framed. I love how movement can be captured differently on screen versus on stage. It’s like a whole new language.
Q: You’ve worked with artists like FKA twigs and been part of visually stunning projects. How did this collaboration come about, and what was the creative process like?
Zoi: Working with FKA twigs was incredible because she sees movement as an essential part of her storytelling. She doesn’t just add dance for visuals, it’s woven into her artistic expression. I got involved through industry connections that felt my style would complement her vision.
The process was deeply collaborative. She had a strong artistic direction but also gave space for us to explore. It was about creating something raw and honest, which is why it was such a rewarding experience.
Q: It was awesome seeing your work in a commercial setting in your recent collaboration with Tim Milgram and Canon. What was it like being part of that project?
Zoi: That project was such a great experience! Tim Milgram is an incredible director who really understands how to capture dance in a way that feels cinematic. He knows how to highlight movement in a way that enhances the performance rather than overpowering it. Working with Canon also meant we got to experiment with visuals in a really dynamic way.
I loved that we were able to take movement and make it feel immersive through the way it was filmed. It wasn’t just about capturing choreography, but about creating an experience. The way Tim directed made it easy to feel connected to the performance, and I think that translated into the final piece.
Q: Pushing creative boundaries isn’t always easy. Have you faced any major challenges in your career, and how have they shaped you as an artist?
Zoi: The dance industry is competitive and unpredictable, and one of the biggest challenges is staying true to yourself when there’s pressure to fit trends. There were times I questioned if my style was too different, but those moments taught me to trust my instincts.
Every challenge has reinforced that authenticity is what truly sets you apart. If you stay consistent and keep growing, the right opportunities will come.
Q: What’s next for you? Any projects or creative endeavors you’re excited to explore?
Zoi: Right now, I’m working on my next dance visual, which I’m really excited about. These projects are my passion because they’re purely about artistry. I create them for the love of movement. We’re in the early stages, working on music and concepts, then moving into rehearsals and filming. My goal is to have it out by mid-May, but I want every detail to be right, so I’m taking my time to bring the vision to life.
Q: What advice would you give to dance artists who are trying to find their own unique movement and artistic voice?
Zoi: Everybody says this, but keep doing what you love and keep perfecting it. Even if you feel like your movement is different or that you’re an outlier in the dance world, embrace that. Trends come and go, but authenticity is what lasts. Stay consistent, keep pushing yourself, and trust that your uniqueness is what will make you stand out in the long run.
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