Stefanos Dimoulas, the first Greek dancer to be listed in Forbes 30 Under 30, performed at the British Museum, drawing attention to the ongoing issue of the Parthenon Marbles. While Dimoulas is widely recognized for his advocacy in the performing arts and LGBTQI+ rights and was recently named a Changemaker ’24 by Culture Action Europe and the EU Parliament, his performance holds particular significance for the Greek cultural heritage. The performance took place in the museum’s main foyer, exclusively for invited guests, right next to the room housing the renowned Greek sculptures, including the Parthenon Marbles.
He says, “I engage in insightful discussions with my friend, author and repatriation advocate for the Parthenon Marbles Victoria Hislop, participate in Greek Embassy of London events, and avidly read about cultural diplomacy. I believe self-education is essential for progress and that staying quiet until informed is a form of selflessness.” This opportunity, like every other, should serve to raise awareness about Greek cultural heritage and the importance of returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, with the performance viewed as a significant platform for dialogue.
You made your professional debut as an actor at the age of 11 and as a dancer at 15. How did these early experiences shape your career, and what challenges did you face starting so young?
Starting my career at a young age profoundly influenced my development, particularly as a dancer. While I have yet to accumulate many acting credits to consider myself an actor fully, I’ve been focusing more on this path in the past 1-2 years, though I haven’t been vocal about it as I still feel I’m growing into the role.
Making my professional acting debut at 11 as Young Manos Hadjidakis allowed me to immerse myself in the industry early, gaining valuable experience and learning the craft’s nuances, even though professional productions in Greece weren’t as prominent as abroad. By 15, when I began my professional journey as a dancer with Anti-thesis Dance and Theatre Company, I had already developed a strong sense of discipline and dedication essential in both fields. This solidified my desire to pursue Performing Arts, with dance at its core.
However, starting young came with challenges. Balancing school with professional commitments was demanding, often requiring me to sacrifice personal time and typical childhood experiences. This extended into my student years, where I missed out on the typical leisurely Greek student life, spending eight hours a day in the academy instead. Additionally, navigating the industry’s pressures and handling rejection at a young age required resilience and a strong support system. My family and friends, who I hold dear to my heart, provided this support. I still remember the nights when my best friend Leonidas had no internet access, and we would count the minutes during every phone call before our credit ran out.
Despite these challenges, these early experiences were instrumental in shaping my career, teaching me the importance of hard work, perseverance, adaptability, and the value of business and creative entrepreneurship.
Graduating from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on a full scholarship is a remarkable achievement. How did your time there influence your development as a dancer?
Graduating from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on a full scholarship was a transformative experience for me. Thanks to my mum, who discovered we could apply for the scholarship, I was granted this incredible opportunity. Family support has played a vital role in my life.
The rigorous training and exposure to diverse styles and techniques significantly enhanced my skills and broadened my artistic perspective. The academy was extremely challenging, not only physically but also mentally. I often felt like a mature, experienced man but was treated as a kid, forcing me to strip away everything I thought I knew and adapt constantly. Homesickness was a big struggle as well. Despite these challenges, the supportive and inspiring environment, combined with the high caliber of faculty and peers, pushed me to new heights and deepened my passion for dance. My time there was instrumental in shaping me into the dancer I am today, instilling in me a profound sense of discipline, creativity, and professionalism.
Becoming the first Greek artist on the Forbes 30Under30 Europe list in “Arts & Culture” in 2023 is a significant milestone. Can you share your thoughts on this recognition and how it has impacted your career?
Being recognised as the first Greek professional dancer on the Forbes 30Under30 Europe list in “Arts & Culture” for 2023 is incredibly humbling and gratifying. This milestone isn’t just a personal achievement; it feels like a breakthrough moment for Greek art and culture on a global stage.
Although this recognition may not receive the same level of celebration or prestige as an athlete’s achievement by Greek society, such as winning at the Olympics—which I believe is quite unfair as just like athletes, I have dedicated my entire life to my career pursuits, facing challenges such as training, expenses, parental support, and even setbacks akin to injuries—it remains a significant global honour. Despite the disparity in recognition, I still feel immense pride in representing my country. Most importantly, this acknowledgment highlights the creative talent emerging from Greece and signals that our unique perspectives are gaining international value.
In terms of impact, this recognition has opened up new connections for collaboration and exposure. It’s given my work a larger platform, allowing me to reach audiences I might not have been able to engage with otherwise. Moreover, it has inspired me to keep pushing boundaries in my art, take bolder risks, and remain steadfast in viewing myself as a serious professional by being a ‘’hardcore negotiator’’. I’m committed to advocating for fair compensation and ensuring that artists are recognized as legitimate professionals, not just hobbyists.
Working with Placido Domingo in “La Traviata” and featuring in a commercial with Kate Moss for Charlotte Tilbury’s “Scent of a Dream” perfume are notable highlights. How did these collaborations come about, and what did you learn from these experiences?
Working alongside Placido Domingo in “La Traviata” at the Royal Baller and Opera House and alongside Kate Moss for Charlotte Tilbury’s “Scent of a Dream” commercial were both defining moments in my career, each offering unique insights.
Working with Domingo was a surreal experience—I was cast first and only later discovered that Domingo would be performing as well. The opportunity came from years of dedication in the auditioning world and taught me the importance of discipline and the relentless pursuit of excellence. I vividly recall a moment backstage when Placido Domingo came over with a small light and asked me to hold it briefly so he could review his lines before going on stage. It was remarkable to see that even someone of his legendary status, with countless performances under his belt, still experienced a touch of nerves before stepping into the spotlight.
Working with Kate Moss on the Charlotte Tilbury commercial was a fascinating experience. The opportunity came through a fortunate alignment of circumstances, most likely based on looks, I would say, and being in the presence of an iconic figure of the fashion world was illuminating.
On set, I noticed how many renowned individuals, including Kate, infused their work with a remarkable sense of ease and enjoyment. It was striking to see how they balanced professionalism with a relaxed, almost festive atmosphere, often sharing light moments with drinks in hand. This experience taught me that maintaining joy and spontaneity, even in high-pressure situations, can significantly boost creativity and performance. I particularly remember a relaxed conversation with Kate during a break, where we chatted casually on the marble stairs about her children, reflecting the effortless warmth of the environment.
Both experiences reinforced that, whether on stage or screen, the essence of artistry lies in connecting with the audience and leaving a lasting impression.
You have an impressive range of talents, including dancing, acting, musical theatre, modeling, and choreography. How do you balance and integrate these different disciplines in your work?
Thank you for your kind words and for recognizing my efforts. I’ve faced a personal struggle to preserve my artistic identity amidst my diverse talents. The challenge is to avoid feeling fragmented—when you try to do everything, it can feel like you end up being nothing at all. However, I’ve come to fully embrace myself as both a dancer with acting skills and an actor who dances. With degrees and education in both fields, I feel well-prepared to present myself as a multifaceted artist without letting concerns about being perceived as too diverse impact me.
Balancing my talents involves a careful blend of time management, passion, and adaptability. For instance, if I’m working on a dance performance, I might focus intensely on rehearsals and technique, while simultaneously preparing for an acting role by immersing myself in character study. I find that the skills from one discipline often enhance another—dance training improves my physical expression in acting while acting experience can deepen the emotional layers of a dance performance. Collaboration with directors and choreographers helps integrate these elements into a cohesive vision. Staying inspired and continuously learning from each discipline keeps my work dynamic and fulfilling.
You are a vocal supporter of the return of The Parthenon Sculptures. Can you elaborate on why this cause is important to you and how you are involved in advocating for it?
Although I still have much to learn and educate myself about this issue, the return of The Parthenon Sculptures deeply resonates with me, especially due to my Greek heritage. This cause goes beyond the mere physical return of artifacts; it’s about restoring cultural heritage and addressing historical justice. The Parthenon Sculptures are more than just art—they symbolize ancient Greek civilization and hold profound significance for both the Greek people and their history. The controversial circumstances of their removal in the early 19th century raise important questions about cultural ownership and the ethics of colonial-era acquisitions.
Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a performance held in the museum’s main foyer, adjacent to the room housing the renowned Greek sculptures, including the Parthenon Marbles. This event was not only a platform for showcasing artistic expression but also served to raise awareness about Greek cultural heritage and the critical importance of returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.
I actively engage with insightful discussions led by my friend and advocate for the repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles, Victoria Hislop, attend events hosted by the Greek Embassy in London, and delve into the literature on cultural diplomacy. I firmly believe that self-education is key to progress, and staying informed before speaking out is a form of responsibility and respect.
Your cover of Attitude Magazine brought significant attention to your career. How do you handle the pressures of media coverage and maintain your authenticity?
To be honest, I don’t feel the media coverage I’ve received throughout my career has been that extensive—me, Madonna! The idea of dealing with the “pressures” of media coverage makes me chuckle a bit, but I do understand the point you’re making.
Navigating media attention while staying authentic is definitely a delicate balance. When my cover of Attitude Magazine drew significant attention, it was both thrilling and a bit overwhelming. It inadvertently positioned me as an activist for LGBTQI+ rights—a role I embrace with great seriousness and pride. For me, staying grounded and focused on my core values is essential. I regularly remind myself of why I began this journey and what I truly stand for, which helps me maintain my authenticity amid the external buzz.
Having a supportive team is also crucial. They understand my vision and provide honest feedback, keeping me anchored and focused on my priorities. Connecting with my audience personally, rather than just through media, helps me stay in touch with the real people who support me. I even keep a folder on my Google Drive filled with screenshots of the kind of messages I’ve received over the years. On tougher days, looking through those messages reminds me of the positive impact I’ve had on others’ lives.
I also try to keep media coverage in perspective. While it’s wonderful to receive attention, I view it as just one aspect of my career. My focus remains on my work and maintaining a constant flow of deals, rather than getting lost in the media hype. This mindset helps me navigate public scrutiny while staying true to myself.
You have stated that you support any diversity for societal prosperity. Can you explain your perspective on this issue and how it influences your approach to your work and activism?
Certainly. When I speak about supporting diversity for societal prosperity, I’m advocating for a broader and more inclusive understanding of what makes a society thrive. Diversity isn’t just about race or ethnicity; it encompasses a wide range of human experiences and perspectives, including gender, socioeconomic status, disability, age and more. My perspective is rooted in the belief that diverse environments foster creativity, innovation, and resilience. When people from various backgrounds come together, they bring unique viewpoints and problem-solving approaches that can lead to more effective and inclusive solutions.
During my tenure as a judge on Dancing With the Stars in Greece, I was a passionate advocate for embracing individuality. I encouraged contestants to fully embrace their unique characteristics and focus on refining their talents, regardless of their backgrounds or status. For me, supporting diversity transcends mere theory; it’s a practical and strategic principle that profoundly influences my approach to both my professional work and activism.
What are your future dreams and plans for your career? Are there any specific projects or roles you aspire to take on in the coming years?
As I envision the future of my career, I’m driven by a combination of ambition and a steadfast commitment to growth. My immediate focus centers on deepening my knowledge in acting while continually refining my dance skills and roles, a craft I’ve devoted over a decade to perfecting. Performing remains my core passion, and I am eager to build on this foundation by embracing roles that challenge and expand my capabilities.
In the coming months, I am particularly excited about advancing my own production, “Titan Prometheus,” and bringing it to the UK, as well as realizing several TV concepts I’ve been developing. The breadth of my aspirations fuels my drive—my enthusiasm for new projects is boundless, and I thrive on staying active and engaged.
Moreover, I am eager to embrace a more substantial leadership role, where I can mentor other performing artists and support them in reaching their goals. This opportunity to guide and inspire others aligns with my broader career vision.
Ultimately, my career path is shaped by a desire not only to advance within my field but also to contribute to the larger conversation about the arts. Through these pursuits, I aim to make a meaningful impact and continuously push the boundaries of both my professional and personal growth.
Dancing seems to be at the core of your artistic journey. What does dancing mean to you, and how has it evolved for you over the years?
Absolutely. Dancing is much more than a profession for me; it’s woven into the very fabric of my being. It’s not only a form of artistic expression but also a personal journey that sustains me financially and fuels my aspirations beyond my origins. When I first began dancing, it was a way to channel my youthful energy and convey emotions that words couldn’t capture. Now, dancing has become a vital part of my existence—essential for both my livelihood and my passion. It’s that treasured realisation when you discover a job that feels less like work and more like a joyous calling.
In the evolving landscape of the performing arts, where opportunities can be scarce and competitive, I’ve learned that expanding my skill set is crucial for survival. Acting, TV work, mentoring, and choreography have all become integral parts of my career. Exploring different genres and techniques has deepened my understanding of the industry and enriched my craft. Today, dancing is not just a personal passion but a means of connecting with others and meeting the demands of a challenging profession.
Images by Virgilio Osa & London Dance Photography