About
Portuguese choreographer and former principal dancer of Armenian descent, born in Tehran, Gagik Ismailian brings over five decades of experience to the world of dance.
His work reflects a unique blend of Armenian, Persian, and Portuguese cultural influences, shaping a career that spans continents, companies, and generations.
Biography
Portuguese choreographer and former principal dancer of Ballet Gulbenkian, an Armenian descent, born in Tehran, Gagik Ismailian brings over five decades of experience to the world of dance.
His work reflects a unique blend of Armenian, Persian, and Portuguese cultural influences, shaping a career that spans continents, companies, and generations.
Education & Formation
Gagik began his dance journey in Tehran before continuing his training in the United Kingdom at the Legat School of Dance and the Royal Ballet School in London.
He later earned a Master of Arts from the University of Surrey, where he deepened his exploration of the arts and human sciences.
Professional Career
Invited by Jorge Salavisa, Gagik joined Ballet Gulbenkian in Lisbon as a principal dancer, performing works by some of the most celebrated choreographers of the 20th century, including JiÅ™í Kylián, Hans van Manen, Nacho Duato, Vasco Wellenkemp Heinz Spoerli, Olga Roriz, and Christopher Bruce. He also danced worldwide with Nederland Dans Theater (NDT), appearing in Japan, Australia, the USA, Africa, and Europe.
As a guest artist, he performed leading roles such as Prince Albrecht in Giselle at the Teatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro, further cementing his reputation as both a classical and contemporary artist.
Choreography & Artistic Direction
Gagik’s choreographic work has been commissioned by major companies and theatres, including the Balé da Cidade de São Paulo, Diadema Dance Company, the Croatian National Theatres in Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka, and the National Opera of Ljubljana. His pieces have been recognized at international festivals in Osaka (Japan) and Stuttgart (Germany), among others.
He has also served as Artistic Director of the Croatian National Theater in Split and has created works performed at leading festivals and theatres across Europe, Brazil, and beyond.
Teaching & Mentorship
Dedicated to nurturing the next generation, Gagik has taught worldwide as a guest professor and ballet master, including at Ballet Gulbenkian, the Academy of Contemporary Dance in Setúbal, the Dance University in Lisbon, the Folkuniversitet Dance Department in Gothenburg, the National Theater Split, and companies in Brazil, Slovenia, and Portugal.
Recognitions
Gagik’s performances and choreographies have been presented at renowned venues such as the São Paulo Municipal Theatre, Teatro del Madrid, the Slovenian National Opera, Teatro del Liceu Barcelona, the Holland Dance Festival, and the Movimentos International Dance Festival in Wolfsburg. His artistry continues to inspire audiences with its depth, cultural richness, and commitment to the transformative power of movement.
Manifesto
Within the depths of my being, my artistic endeavors have been profoundly shaped by the rich tapestry of my performing experiences. Each encounter with visionary choreographers has left an indelible mark, influencing the very essence of my creative expression. My personal journey, beginning as a teenager in the Middle East and continuing into the Western world, has added layers of depth and complexity to my artistic vision. From these amalgamations of joys and sorrows, triumphs and tribulations, my works have emerged, bearing the weight of my existence.
My creations stand as testaments to the power of the human form, with every movement and gesture charged with meaning. They reflect a rooted desire to forge emotional connections between artist and audience, binding hearts and souls in a shared experience. It is not merely about spectacle, but about delving into the core of our being, unearthing raw emotions and igniting resonance within us all.
To embark on an emotional journey is among my deepest aspirations. I strive to unravel the intricate threads of human experience, to explore the recesses of our hearts and minds, and to provoke a myriad of emotions. In those vulnerable moments, when the boundaries between performer and spectator dissolve, true magic unfolds. I yearn to draw you into the narrative of my creations, to stir your emotions with unyielding force, and to awaken curiosity and sensitivity toward your own organic self and the space you inhabit.
For me, art is revelation, a force that breathes new life into existence. I envision my works as vessels that transcend the physical, carrying the power to renew, transform, and unveil hidden truths. They are an invitation to embrace vulnerability, to explore the uncharted territories of the soul, and to be swept away by the currents of emotion.
As I continue this artistic odyssey, my goal is to create pieces that resonate on the most personal level, works that reach into the depths of your being and leave an indelible imprint on your heart. It is my fervent wish to touch the unspoken, to spark conversations that transcend language and culture, and to foster a profound connection between artist and audience.
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Collaborations
Gagik Ismailian has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned dance companies, influential artists, and prestigious venues around the globe. His work has been showcased at leading festivals and theaters, and he continues to build meaningful connections within the dance community.
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