In January this year, we welcomed Iliana to Team Shaper/Caper in a brand new role - Community Engagement Dance Artist. Iliana joined us as part of The Rank Foundation’s Time to Shine programme. Let’s get to know her!

Iliana

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

“Hello, my name is Iliana! My pronouns are she/her, I am originally from Greece, and I have been based in Edinburgh since 2017.”

What was your journey into dance?

“Dancing was part of my life growing up. The little town I grew up in attracted many travellers, and so we had many international visitors and friends sharing their dance cultures with us. At about the age of twelve, I joined my first official dance class, and I kept on expanding my dance styles repertoire until this very day. I discovered a deep love for ballet when I was sixteen years old and received my Advanced 1 R.A.D Certificate in Ballet soon after I moved here. In 2021 I received my BA in Dance and Drama from PASS - Edinburgh College validated by Kingston University. I chose dance as a career because it makes me happy!”

What attracted you to Shaper/Caper?

“The company’s goal: Dance for All. From the very first time I interacted with Shaper/Caper, I felt drawn to the team, the values, and the work that they did. If you are reading this now, you’ve probably already seen examples of how Shaper/Caper work, which will help you understand what I mean when I say that Shaper/Caper is my family in the North!”

Can you tell us a little bit about the Time to Shine programme?

“The Time to Shine Programme is a year-long training programme for emerging leaders in a social sector. Leadership is not about delegating tasks to a group of people; it is about believing in and inspiring your team to reach the best potential. This opportunity will allow me to build knowledge and skills on leadership by attending training days and mentoring sessions.”

Iliana is stretching her arm out in from of her and bumping her hip. She is wearing a mask and her hair is in a ponytail. She is in a dark room. Pink and green lights are dappled across her face and chest and the brick wall behind her. — Throwing some shapes at our first *Discotheque* session at DUSA

What kind of work will you be doing with us and what are you most excited about getting involved in?

“As the Community Engagement Dance Artist, I will be involved in the devising and the delivery of various creative projects along with the rest of the creative team. I will be the main point of contact for our creative project’s participants and will be leading the company’s Youth Advisory Board. I am looking forward to the creative process and delivery of some exciting new projects this year!”

Iliana is holding two corners of a blue sheet. Another person across from her is holding the opposite two corners. A little girl is lying in the hammock shape created by the sheets. They are all smiling. — A Day to Play in Overgate Dundee

How has your time with Shaper/Caper been so far? Is there anything you’ve learnt?
”My time with Shaper/Caper is unique. I am surrounded by wonderful, talented people, each one so different yet somehow so compatible with one another. There is never a day the same as the one before. I learn new things every day. I teach new things every day. I face a new challenge every day. I smile, I am trusted, respected and heard everyday. If there is one thing I have learnt amongst others, it is that there is more to management and leadership than we are taught in business management schools.”

What’s a highlight moment of your time with Shaper/Caper so far?

“A highlight moment with Shaper/Caper was towards the end of OutFest (the festival we produced to celebrate LGBTQ+ history month throughout February). The team got together for a wee non-alcoholic celebratory beer at the DCA, we shared funny stories, and then we watched the screening of Period. on the big screen.”

Thank you for sharing with us, Iliana! We love having you in the team. Here’s to many more fantastic projects together!

An interview with Iliana Parousi