Women Taking The Stage: Eleftheria Stamou
Photo: Costas Spathis
Eleftheria was born in Piraeus and started ballet when she was three years old. At the age of six, she was chosen to participate in the competition division of rhythmic gymnastics of Drapetsona, where for many years she was a Greek champion. Moreover, she was chosen to create the national team of rhythmic gymnastics (solo / ensemble). She studied at the Professional Dance School of the Greek National Opera, graduating with a diploma of teacher with honours. Eleftheria has won the first prize at the Pan-Hellenic School Dance Competition (classical ballet / modern dance, 2008). Since 2013 she has been a member of the Greek National Opera Ballet.
Hi Eleftheria, what get’s you out of bed every morning?
Franco “my beagle”, the sweetest evil thing.
Tell us about a normal workday.
Usually, I drive to Stavros Niarchos every morning to start my ballet classes at 10 am. I have to be half an hour earlier to warm up and it lasts 1:15 min. After 15 minutes break, I start rehearsals until 4 o’clock. If I am not so busy, between the rehearsals I can take some time to check myself with the physiotherapist. I also like to take some time to practice the upcoming performance or just training to improve my own skills as a dancer. After that, I’m heading back home to take care of my duties and relax to be prepared for the next day.
What do you love most about what you do?
I like the combination of music, dance, and arts. I also enjoy the discipline it takes and the capacity of challenging myself.
Who, past or present, has inspired you most? Why?
Ioannis Madafounis, greek talented choreographer that I had the honor to work with. He inspired me a lot because he taught me to believe in myself even If I was about to fall. He actually wanted that because it was the way to earn my own confidence not even on stage but in my life.
How do you stay motivated?
I always try to feel part of something in everything I do. I’m not only seeking my motivation in ballet but in the whole arts. A song, a painting, or life itself, gives me the right reason to stay active and inspired.
What is the best advice you've received?
Believe in yourself.
What's on your bucket list?
It’s a long list but the most important is I would love to travel more. There are many places that I want to explore. The first destinations I would love to go would be Marocco, Cuba, and Italy.
Which women have inspired you most in both your career and life?
For patience and strength, I would say my mother and my grandmother. There is also a dancer called Eleni Kladou that I admire a lot for her kindness and dedication.
To me, she is a the reference as a woman shall be not only as a dancer but as a human being too. I think she is a real super hero.
What gets you into bed at night?
The tiredness of a productive day.
What's your favorite Noilence piece?
I like the whole collection but honestly, I have two pieces in my mind that I love a lot: Stretched Ring and Brick Earrings.