LIA KARAGIANOPOULOS

ARTISTIC STATEMENT

 

     I am an individual with a drive. I search for moments that make me feel alive and allow me to open my mind. I crave opportunities that push my boundaries and force me to step out of my comfort zone. The more risks I can take, the more I find movement more pleasurable and fulfilling. Thus, I immerse myself in dance by indulging in the movement to connect to myself, to others, and to the world we live in.

 

     I dance because there is never a dull moment. Dance is a continuous investigation that allows me to uncover new layers by constantly asking myself and others questions. There is always something I am working towards, a challenge to overcome. I enjoy having to utilize multiple parts of my brain for a long duration of time. It allows me to be more creative in exploring interesting ways my body and other bodies can move.

 

     I appreciate improvisational researching because it reminds me of free writing, but with the body. While indulging in the movement sensations, I focus on how breath can support and enhance movement quality. Breath provides me the confidence and leverage to make interesting, organic connections with those around me and leads to the development of ideas or new movement nuggets.

 

     When creating a work, I am typically inspired by the everyday occurrences—relationships, emotions, thoughts, events, and actions—that influence my life in a significant way. I create contemporary works that are open enough in the hopes that the audience finds them relatable in some way. While crafting dances, I aim to play with contrasting elements and search for balance between intricacy and simplicity. My mission is to investigate ways of moving, integrate all of my knowledge, indulge in the movement, and inspire the communities around us.