8th I.D.F.D. Awards

We had to select based on multiple criteria, wishing that all groups continue to evolve with the support of choreographers, dance therapists, and specially trained individuals to always deliver a complete performance.
All the groups at the festival, each one individually, had a place in our hearts and that is why they were all awarded for their own unique characteristic.
Scientific - Artistic Committee of the 8th IDFD

Committee results

D.D. DANCEDISABILITY GROUP THESSALONIKI “MON AMOUR”
A very good choice of music and a dynamic concept with an interesting approach. On stage, we see individuals being highlighted without losing the group's dynamic, with each person playing a role in this story. The solo was outstanding, with unique flow and smooth transitions. The dancers' makeup and costumes were wonderful. The way the choreography’s dramaturgy was structured using puppets was ingenious.

D.D. DANCEDISABILITY APOCHROSEIS KARDITSA “MISS YOUR LOVE”
Particularly expressive with clear imagery. The group demonstrated excellent collaboration and teamwork, focusing on partnering while also emphasizing the dancers' autonomy.

D.D. DANCEDISABILITY GROUP KARDITSA “ARIADNE”
A choreography that evolved into improvisation with inclusion, acceptance, love, and active listening as its core pillars—listening actively to the needs of those around us. We experienced a unique moment and became witnesses to a spontaneous instance that fully showcased the greatness of the dancedisability method. Regardless of position or background, we all experienced the path that was uniquely offered to the autonomy of the dancers, with complete respect for their needs and desires.

D.D. DANCEDISABILITY GROUP PROSVASI KARDITSA “SMALL DANCE”
A group of young dancers, whose team strength was uniquely enhanced by a continuous focus on the expressive power of the phrase “all for one and one for all.” Very good music selection.

D.D. DANCEDISABILITY GROUP ERGASTIRI CHROMATON – SERRES “SILVER CIRCLE”
This group showed us through their choreography that limitations disappear and love prevails. Through duets and other beautiful formations, they conveyed true joy with incredible focus and dedication to their dance. Nice formations and wonderful music.

D.D. DANCEDISABILITY GROUP OMONOIA – SIDHIROKASTRO “WAKE UP”
Very nice on-stage formations with a unique and unexpected music selection. Very creative improvised costumes. The integration of wheelchairs into the choreography was smooth and flowing, with especially cheerful and enthusiastic dancers.

D.D. DANCEDISABILITY GROUP DRYADES EN PLO – KARDITSA “THE JOURNEY”
A dreamlike choreography combining elements of modern and contemporary dance, featuring unique duets and a wonderful portrayal of a relationship between two people full of respect and love. Technically excellent with a high level of inclusion, harmony, and respect for each dancer’s space. Clear and synchronized formations with evident chemistry, connection, and solid preparation.

D.D. FOR DIM DREAM ATHENS “LITTLE JUMPING SPIDER”
A professional group, full of emotion and confident in what they do. The choreography was based on poems and authentic music, with unique yet simple costumes that highlighted each dancer’s character. The duets and parallel formations were wonderful. The dancers' interaction reflected preparation and chemistry, and the choreography culminated in a finale that showed not what a dancer in a wheelchair can’t do, but what they can do.

JOIN US KARDITSA “MERMAIDS AND MACHOS”
We saw a variety of motor skills with synchronization and clever music selections from Greek cinema. The choreography's dramaturgy was uniquely supported through duets, movement-based dialogue, and mirrored movements. Expressiveness and theatricality were at a high level. Very good group preparation and harmonious coexistence.

M.A.m.A DANCERS VEROIA “TRADITIONAL DANCES – MILLE COLORI”
Two dance segments, approaching two different and demanding dance styles. Traditional dances were performed first, with excellent preparation, clearly evident, and a smart approach by the teacher who rotated leaders for each dance. The modern dance part featured groups, duets, and solos with incredible interaction with their mothers in the audience, other viewers, and each other. Unwavering focus to the end—tireless yet precise. A wonderful idea using a traditional song that was captured both uniquely and theatrically, transporting us to the stage with them. The t-shirts and simplicity of their appearance were excellent.

E.P.S.Y.K.A. DRAMA “REMPETIKO NIGHT”
We were thrilled by the authenticity of the movement, achieved by giving each dancer the opportunity to express themselves in their own space and time, through authentic dance styles that also express the culture of Greece. The use of stage props was unique and especially helpful in transitions between musical styles, without pauses or abrupt changes.

ILIOS KARDITSA “I AM”
The dialogue inspired by the concept of “I AM” attracted everyone’s interest and was supported by the enthusiastic participation of all and the clarity of the group’s formations on stage.

PROSVASI KARDITSA “LIGHT IN THE DARK”
A large and diverse group that, in their presentation, managed to find the harmony the music invited us to enjoy. Very good music selection, matching dancer attire, and choreography background. Very good use of hands and synchronized jumps, satisfactory floor work. A good effort to utilize all the group’s capabilities and dynamics.

THALPORI SOCHOS–LAGADAS “LANTERNA, POVERTY AND PRIDE”
A very nice presentation with interesting changes in rhythm, music, and visuals. A human-centered story that had it all: musical instruments, voice, and technology, with the DJ and all dancers theatrically transporting us from old Greek movies to the present. Although the choreography was complex, they had great interaction with the audience, and one could not distinguish disability within the group—but rather saw teamwork, collaboration, and cohesion.

THE SIGN DANCEGROUP CROATIA
An experience that you can’t easily find in the art area, a full embodiment through a show that you can call physical theatre, dance theater or even social satire. We saw something unique from Croatia where music wasn’t prerequisite for movement because the sounds of the performers, the interaction with the crowd, the dynamics of the bodies said more and uniquely filled the stage while keeping our interest undiminished even if we didn't know where it would lead us...”news news news” and David's body showed without words and without music all the discomfort from this endless influx of news while Maria's voice, the multilingualism of her approach and the drum that sometimes accompanied all this, gave voice to the style of this performance. A therapeutic journey through movement and sound “NEWS NEWS FROM EVERYWHERE USELESS NEWS”

NYSA, POLAND «THE BEAST»
We didn't exactly watch a choreography but a small theatrical performance where dance and movement played a leading role. A wonderful stance against SCHOOL VIOLENCE with the members of the group giving their best on stage, presenting the images of their story quite vividly. The transition from the dream to reality was unique with careful selection of props to create a minimalist image with rich messages. And the ribbons at the end that were hidden but appeared clearly gave the great message that we are ONE.

ETHIOPIA ON LINE
Great concept and great work with the walking sticks and without. Really athletic with dancers that was obvious how hard they worked and practiced. Really powerful and everything performed as if they put no effort!!! The concept it was a really dynamic statement.

ENGLAND ON LINE
Diverse with beautiful graphics. Different artists having a unique concept showing their strengths with a particular evolution and enlargement of their movement. Really creative dancers and choreography, intelligent bodies into a physical environment giving a time off to the brain and let the body feel.

UNITED STATES DANCING WHEELS
A unifying expression for all is the feeling out of this choreography with really high level of performance and really good use of technique. The choreography inspired us all.

I CAN DANCE ON LINE
Great music, great colours, great costumes. Unique energy and creativity in moves, choreography and visual effects. Demanding technique with jumps and not only, that the whole group made it look easy and graceful. Great finale on time.

 KEA CHARÁ – PALLINI, ATTICA – “I STAY A CHILD FOREVER”
Beautiful idea with the opening video. Unique coexistence of different age groups. Excellent song choice, and what captivated us most was the unbroken eye contact among the dancers. They were all there — body and soul.

 ERGASTIRI XROMATON – SERRES – “OUR DREAMS DON’T BURN”
 A magnificent title, like a non-negotiable statement, fully supported by the dancers’ bodies and appearance, including costumes. Many dancers on stage with incredible connection, especially seen in the use of fabric as a scenic prop, fully integrated into the piece. Great preparation, clever lifts, and a unique aesthetic.

 THE DREAMERS – THESSALONIKI – “SIGN OF A DREAM”
 A dream that carried our souls and a choreography that powerfully conveyed that if you believe, you can. Excellent collaboration within the team and with the wheelchairs. Remarkable synchronization and autonomy for all dancers.

NEW YORK ZCO/DANCEPROJECT «ONWARD»
Great choice of outdoor place with different levels, great outfit, all different and as one at the same time. Really inclusive choreography with beautiful flow. The dancers through different shapes showed us their need to overcome the chronic pain and all the restrictions that come with it. Simple but meaningful full of embodiment.

ACADEMY FITNESS CLUB – EDESSA – “THE HEART DANCES”
 A deeply moving story and choreography. The children and the choreographer took us straight to the emotional core of the festival. Incredible performance and strong technique from all the dancers — disability wasn’t set apart but elevated them further, thanks to their wheels. Through their amazing synchronization and stage presence, we felt that although disability exists, with love, it becomes no obstacle.

ORIZONTES – KARDITSA – “DANCE”
 Excellent stage entrance, with a choreography structured with clear formations and space for everyone to dance and shine. The duets and all formations reflected determination and incredible confidence in their presentation.

LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND OF GREECE – ATHENS – “FROM KYTHIRA TO CRETE”
 A flawless artistic presentation with a very clever introduction. Unique costumes and incredible body control from all dancers. Their on-stage shapes, positions, and intense focus captivated us. Positioning, rhythm, and spacing were all spot-on. The a cappella song at both the beginning and end made this group truly stand out.

HAMOGELA ELPIDAS – TRIKALA – “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”
Wonderful beginning with a video full of smiles that matched the team’s name, while also taking us to the place where everything we were about to see was created. Great music and costume aesthetics. The choreographer’s dynamic introduction set the tone, leading the team confidently. A complex choreography, performed with persistence and dedication, full of energy and life.

ME…NOU – DRAMA – “TRADITIONAL DANCES”
An incredible team that didn’t give up for a second. They showed us the importance of having passion and willpower, and how crucial it is to move forward and not give up. Technical challenges and jumps brought them closer together and helped them listen more to one another.

STIRIXI – LARISSA – “THE WALL”
They clearly delivered an inspiring message in a simple and direct way. With scenic props beautifully complementing the choreography, they showed how we build walls of limitation and how, if we wish, we can tear them down and open new paths. The choreography as a whole was photographic, with clear images and messages that made it easy for the viewer to relate. Excellent music and an incredible spirit of cooperation and teamwork.

AGKALIASE ME GREVENA “A JOURNEY THROUGH GREEK TRADITION”
A stroll through the tradition of Greece, with consistent movement as the dancers made a continuous effort to rhythmically perform the dances they selected. The weight shifts during the choreography were incredible, and the group's coordination—especially in one standout moment—introduced an additional level of difficulty that they overcame with ease.

OLOI MAZI KARDITSA “WHERE THERE IS LOVE”
With their choreography and theme, they managed to move and raise awareness, creating a ripple effect around them. Amazing and distinctive music, with particularly well-executed movement and floor work by the dancers. Their stage formations were very symmetrical, with clever placement of props. The symbolism and use of ropes were wonderful, serving as a metaphor for the distances between people that sometimes grow and sometimes shrink.

ONEIRIKI CHOROSYNTHESI POFEKO TRIKALA “DANCING THE MYTH OF LOVE”
A dreamlike dance composition true to its title and to the dancers’ attire. A unique waltz with romantic music and duets full of chemistry. What stood out was the number of attendants who were truly there to give everyone the space to shine, without exception. Beautiful stage formations and symmetry. The transition from duets to a circle was excellently executed, with a consistent commitment to the dance’s style, body posture, and fundamental steps.

SOCIAL WELFARE CENTER LARISSA “AS LONG AS I HAVE RHYTHM”
The visualization of the music and clear theatricality captivated us, along with their beautiful improvised costumes, makeup, and hair, all clearly done with care. We got to see the dancers beyond their everyday selves, with attention given to each individual through the chosen style of music and dance. Their vibrant rhythm and the athletic nature of the choreography energized the entire audience.

ZOI THESSALONIKI “DANCE AND MUSIC-MOVEMENT PROGRAM”
Unmatched energy from all the dancers in the group. It felt like we were watching a music video, with beautiful music and colors. Brilliant formations and transitions between musical pieces using the accessories they wore. Repetitive patterns drew you in, making you want to dance with them.

EVIIMERIA KASTORIA “ALL TOGETHER IN RHYTHM”
A perfect song and beautiful duets. The largest group of the festival, yet very well arranged on stage, with lovely symbolism offering a lot both to the dancers and the audience.

TOP THREE PLACEMENTS

1st Place

FOTINOS KOSMOS, VOLOS – “UNTIL THE END”
Two dance segments, showcasing two very demanding dance styles—tango and paso doble. In collaboration, all committee members observed that there was technical excellence in the presentation of the basic steps of these dances, with particular emphasis on partnering and duet synchronization. Despite the large number of dancers, their synchronization was more than satisfactory. We witnessed impressive body formations and group patterns from the dancers. The choice of music and dance styles was bold, with a variety of movements, creative use of props, and a strong sense of team spirit. The finale was perfectly timed.

SIOTI MOVE ART, SERRES – “THE CIRCLE OF LIFE”
A multifaceted choreography involving both parents and children. There was a clear focus on autonomy and highlighting the dancers through solos, duets, and group segments—with and without the parents. The music and overall concept were moving, allowing for a variety of interpretations and personal experiences. The choreography was rich with symbolism, expressed through shifting formations and scenic elements. Very good use of stage space. The duets were well-rehearsed and showed strong chemistry. A choreography rich in imagery and emotion that held our interest throughout and transported us.

2nd Place

OMONOIA, SERRES – “IN SIMPLICITY LIES HAPPINESS”
A choreography with theatricality, particularly captivating, fresh, romantic, and uniquely comforting. It featured complex and parallel formations that demonstrated the group’s strong preparation. The chemistry of the group was evident in the formation changes, duets, rhythm, and spatial movement. The choreography and props perfectly supported the theme and transported us to a magical era—wisely chosen by the choreographer—reflected in both costume and music. Clever narrative structure, with the dancer who entered first acting as a central character, setting off the motion and guiding the audience’s focus. Accurate and consistent throughout.

CHORODROMEIO, ATHENS – “DANCES OF THE DODECANESE”
An especially polished appearance and carefully arranged stage presence showed significant preparation and care for each individual. Incredible synchronization, despite the challenges in directional changes. Dancers were precise in their steps, presented with strength and emotion, and danced with a constant embrace, like an invisible rope of support evident in their steady holds. They conveyed their lived experience through softly sung songs while dancing, and beautifully embodied the rhythm, music, emotion, and moment through movement. Magical performance with remarkable endurance and smooth transitions between dances, maintaining high and stable energy levels.

3rd Place

OI ONEIRODIAITOI, ATHENS – “TRANSCENDENT FORM”
A particularly demanding choreography with continuous flow and smooth transitions. Inventive and creative use of hand movements amplified the dancers’ strengths. The choice of music and black costumes was bold, emphasizing the choreography’s kinetic atmosphere and focusing on the dancers’ presence and placement. Excellent use of both wheelchairs and stage space, with elegant spacing and symmetrical formations. The title was fully supported through music, movement, and the simultaneous formation of varied group structures with different rhythms on stage. Ingenious and boundless inspiration in a choreography that included everyone.

ELPIDA, RHODES – “THE COLOSSUS WITHIN YOU”
Two dance segments approached two different styles. The first, a traditional dance of Rhodes, featured a unique reference to the sponge divers' dance, telling a story that unfolded before our eyes. The visualization of the lyrics was impressive, and the theme—intentional or not—conveyed the power of group support, especially in the moment where the lead dancer was held by others and the transition toward autonomy and freedom was symbolized by letting go of the cane. Rhodes’ performance reached new heights with the contemporary section, blending elements of dance theater, vividly portraying the myth of the Colossus of Rhodes with powerful symbolism. The costumes and props were masterfully curated, fully highlighting the dancers’ strengths. The dancers showed incredible focus, rhythmic precision, and fluid hand movements. The use of the scenic object was both challenging and daring—yet beautifully executed by the dancers alone, without choreographer or assistant intervention. The finale was perfectly timed.