Art director takes the party to the people

This year is her seventh term at the helm of the Kalamata Dance Festival (KDF). Linda Kapetanea took over the duties of artistic director in 2018, and before she could find her footing, the Covid pandemic happened. I remember her efforts to keep the festival open and safe during those difficult two years, the desire not to disrupt the operation of an institution, which is the leading event of contemporary dance in Greece, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024. Kapetanea succeeded and the truth is there's little she cannot accomplish if she sets her mind to it.

Kapetanea, 50, has not stopped working out since the age of 5, initially competing in rhythmic gymnastics and then diving into modern dance at the age of 16, from which she never left, nor would she want to.

What dance means to her? "Communication, creation, adaptability, exchange," she says.

She grew...