IRÈNI MOVEMENT ARTS
Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion
Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion
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Irèni (Irini) signifies peace in Greek. Greek-born Irèni is an award-winning, critically acclaimed Greek Canadian dancer, choreographer and yoga teacher. With over 25 years of experience, she has trained, toured and practiced internationally, most notably in Canada, Europe, New York, and Costa Rica. Intuitive, creative and wise: Irèni Movement Arts is an embodied practice. Artists, students, and participants of all ages and abilities from all walks of life are welcome to take the journey home to themselves.
Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion
Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion
Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion
Since the onset of COVID-19, Irèni has been a leader in using her creative and therapeutic skills to uplift diverse and disabled communities. She has designed transformative workshops in somatic movement, therapeutic yoga, barre, and dance for seniors aged 80 to 102 in retirement homes and Enriched care facilities. Irèni has also brought her movement workshops to the Brain Injury Association and empowered women at the New Canadians Centre in Peterborough, Ontario. Her dedication to inclusivity and innovation has bridged contemporary movement arts with empathy, creating healing connections for those who need them most.
Dance Artist
Irèni Stamou is an award-winning Canadian choreographer and soloist. Born in Athens, Greece, Irèni moved to Canada at the age of five and grew up in Montreal's multicultural environment, where she developed a passion for both dance and languages. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance from Concordia University, receiving the Outstanding Choreography Award. In 1994, Irèni founded her dance company, Métaspora Danse, in Montreal, leading it to international success until 2007. She created a prolific body of work as a soloist, in addition to solo pieces for renowned dancers and group works. Irèni has toured throughout Canada, Europe, New York, and Costa Rica, receiving critical acclaim for her performances. Her movement vocabulary is a captivating blend of contemporary dance, innovative folk-mythical forms, and somatic movement. This unique combination has earned her numerous grants and awards, solidifying her status as a pioneering artist. Irèni's influence on diversity, inclusion, and belonging in Canadian dance is undeniable, with recognition from institutions such as the Canada Council for the Arts and the Quebec Council for Arts and Letters. Irèni resides in Peterborough, Ontario, where she founded Irèni Movement Arts—a unique venture that combines healing arts with dance, reflecting her innovative and accessible approach to art-making with empathy. She has been recognized by Public Energy Performing Arts, the Electric City Culture Council, Theatre on King, and Trent Theatre. Irèni is a recipient of the The Ontario Arts Council Chalmers Professional Development Award.
Photo Irèni Stamou, Choreography Miroloi 2024
Photographer Andy Carroll
