Andonis Foniadakis makes our hearts beat faster
September 21, 2026
Specially for Introdans’s ENERGY programme, Greek choreographer Andonis Foniadakis created the ballet Pulsetic, which will have its world premiere on Friday, September 25. A highly vibrant, lively dance that radiates intense energy. “Pulsetic moves like a beating heart,” says Foniadakis. “It’s a kind of collective vibration, which evokes a strong sense of togetherness.”
As far as the choreographer is concerned, the reference to the heart is also present in the music. And that element was the artistic starting point for the creation of this new ballet: “In conversation with my composer Julien Tarride, the musical framework was sketched out. And I then use that to shape my choreography.” Gradually, the music and choreography continuously adapt to each other, until they beat as one heart.
Music and dance
Foniadakis has been working with Tarride for some time now; as a composer and visual artist, Tarride has a very distinctive perspective on creating music for dance. For instance, he added spoken texts to his composition for Pulsetic, which he wrote himself. Tarride explains: “For me, the voice works the same way as the lighting design of the performance. It doesn’t so much add meaning to the ballet — it simply directs attention. Voice, music and light form counterpoints. They can support, question, or sometimes contradict what the dancers suggest, while the ballet remains the central focus throughout.”
A unique movement language
The choreography came about from a strong personal vision and a unique movement language that Foniadakis has developed over the years, with which he has made an international name for himself. Extreme suppleness and exuberant energy are important values in this. He always builds on the strength of the dancers: “Their high level, skill, dedication, physical strength and musicality guide the intensity of the work.”
Extremely palpable
“Movements are extremely intentional and expressive,” the choreographer continues. “Nothing in this choreography is suggestive or acted out.” There is therefore no literal storyline, “but of course there is a sensational, emotional storyline.” His work is abstract, but precisely because of that, extremely palpable. “The way the dancers search for connection has a strong sense of urgency. It creates a tension around the movements themselves. A powerful energetic field arises. So it’s no longer just about physical energy, but also about the interaction with everything and everyone around them, even the audience.”
Andonis Foniadakis and Introdans
Introdans audiences may know Foniadakis from his ballet Streams, an excerpt of which was shown in Introdans’s Goud & Nieuw programme in the 2021/2022 season, or from his ballet Selon désir, an audience favourite during the BACH programme in the 2022/2023 season. Both of these were existing works by the celebrated choreographer, which he restaged with Introdans. Now, with Pulsetic, it is the first time the Greek choreographer has created a new work specially for the company.
“It’s always extra exciting to make a new work,” Foniadakis says about this. “You never quite know what’s going to happen. It’s a vulnerable period, both for the dancers and for me as the creator. It’s really a dialogue; what I make is inextricably linked to what the dancers bring in. I get inspired by their movements, by how they come across to me. That really gives my creativity a boost.”
The choreographer is therefore glad to have been able to create this production for and with Introdans: “It’s very enjoyable to come back to Introdans. It’s a wonderful place to work. The people work hard, but are also gentle and patient.”
ENERGY premieres on Friday, September 25 at Theater Amphion in Doetinchem, and will then tour the country through November 25, 2026.
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