Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to MYRTO CHALEMI. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

MYRTO, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was my final performance during my degree in Ballet and Contemporary Dance Teaching. It was part of an eurhythmics class, where we were asked to express music theory through any form of art. That year, I collaborated with a close friend, Amalia, someone with whom I shared a deep creative connection.

Both of us had multidisciplinary backgrounds — in dance, music, visual art, and education — and we drew on those strengths to create a three-part performance that blended singing, traditional Greek rhythms, piano, percussion, and contemporary movement. We started with Hijo de la Luna, a traditional folk song, then transitioned into Greek musical motifs, and ended with a piece we titled The Black & White Swan, a contemporary dance rooted in musical contrast.

What made this experience so meaningful was that it was born entirely from improvisation and honest artistic dialogue. We weren’t trying to fit a mold — we created something that was purely us, and the emotional impact it had on our audience was unforgettable. It reminded me that the most powerful performances come from authenticity and deep connection.

That work still mirrors how I like to approach collaborative projects today. I always try to create space for originality and honest expression, both in my work and when teaching. I encourage my students to embrace their individuality and creativity and to trust that their unique voice is their greatest strength. That philosophy continues to guide me, both as a performer and an educator.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Myrto Chalemi. I’m a performing artist and ballet teacher originally from Lagyna, a small village outside Thessaloniki, Greece, and I’m now based in New York City. I’ve always been full of curiosity and creative energy, but no one really expected me to pursue the arts — many thought I’d become a lawyer or journalist. That changed when I discovered dance.

I started ballet at age four, just for fun, but my teachers quickly saw potential and encouraged me to take it more seriously. By eleven, I was receiving high-level training and eventually participated in my first international intensive at the Varna Ballet Competition in 2014. That experience transformed my passion into purpose — I knew I wanted a career in dance.

From there, the road wasn’t easy. I had to balance intense training with academics, face financial barriers, and overcome discouragement from a teacher who didn’t believe in me. I was accepted into top programs like the Hammond School of Arts in the UK, but couldn’t attend due to cost. Still, the acceptance gave me hope. Around that time, I was introduced to classical singing — something that unexpectedly became a second artistic love. I earned a full scholarship to the National Conservatory of Thessaloniki, where I studied voice alongside my continued dance training.

After high school, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Ballet and Contemporary Dance Teaching and, years later, took a leap of faith to combine all my passions — dance, music, and storytelling — by moving to New York to study Musical Theatre. I was accepted with a scholarship to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), where I trained and graduated in 2025.

Since then, I’ve been living the actor’s life: auditioning, working hard to stay afloat in NYC, and pursuing performance opportunities in theatre and cruise lines. It hasn’t always been easy — being far from home, navigating adulthood, and keeping the dream alive in a new country has been challenging. But those struggles have taught me resilience, brought meaningful friendships into my life, and revealed new paths I didn’t expect.

One of those paths is teaching. While I thought I’d use my dance pedagogy degree much later, I’ve discovered a real joy in teaching ballet. It perfectly complements my performance work and allows me to share what I’ve learned with the next generation of artists. What sets me apart is the multidimensional nature of my background — I bring together ballet, singing, acting, cultural influences, and a strong commitment to education.

At the heart of my work is a belief in authenticity, creative individuality, and emotional storytelling — whether I’m on stage or in the studio. I want my audience and my students to feel something real, just like the artists who first inspired me.

In conclusion, if someone wants to understand my brand and what I offer, I am a versatile artist: a singer who moves effortlessly between classical repertoire, jazz, and folk music; a dancer with strong classical ballet technique; and a dedicated, educated ballet teacher who values artistry as much as discipline. Whether performing or teaching, my goal is to bring honesty, skill, and passion into every space I enter.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the impact we can have on others. I was inspired by other creatives as a child, and that’s what made me fall in love with the arts. Now, I feel incredibly fulfilled when I can move someone emotionally through a performance, whether it’s through music, dance, or storytelling. Sometimes, just knowing that one person felt seen, heard, or inspired by my work makes it all worth it. Art also has the power to connect people. I’ve built meaningful friendships with people who were touched by something I performed. And on a broader scale, especially in today’s world, being a creative carries a sense of responsibility. When your voice reaches others, it can raise awareness, spark dialogue, and influence change—sometimes more than you realize.
Personally, being a creative has taught me a lot about myself. Whether I’m developing a character or interpreting a song, I have to dive deep into different perspectives, time periods, and life experiences. That process sharpens your critical thinking and expands your understanding of the world.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes — from a young age, there’s been a quiet but persistent mission at the heart of my creative journey. Growing up in Greece and pursuing training in dance, music, and performance, I often found myself fragmented — attending multiple studios and institutions just to piece together a complete education. I admired how institutions abroad offered structured, all-in-one artistic programs with competitive training and resources, and I longed for something similar in my own country. Around my teenage years, when I decided to pursue performing arts professionally, a deeper purpose began to form: the dream of one day creating a space in Greece that offers high-caliber, holistic training in the arts — something that could stand confidently alongside leading programs abroad.
Don’t get me wrong — Greece is home to many talented educators and forward-thinking institutions that contribute greatly to the arts. But there is still room for structural improvement and greater recognition of our industry. My mission includes advocating for better integration of dance, singing, and performing arts into our national university system and building platforms that support artists both within Greece and on an international scale.
In addition to that, I’ve been deeply inspired by the after-school arts programs for children in the United States — programs that expose young students to a wide range of creative activities from an early age, helping them discover their passions, artistic voices, and confidence early on. I believe this kind of exposure is incredibly valuable, and it’s something I hope to one day bring to Greece as well, when the time is right, and I’ve gathered enough experience to build something truly impactful.
Ultimately, I want to help shape a future where young Greek artists don’t have to go abroad to feel fully supported in their education, but can still compete and thrive on the global stage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://myrtochalemi3866.wixsite.com/myrto-chalemi?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad71ma7pc7-dWWObywlKgxYW_DLnHIIj2R7Sajg_Hw1-EEsk07Ypd4p28HkJQ_aem_GcHiH5H-Aiv_L7kgxHScPw
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrtochalemi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myrto.chalemi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myrtochalemi/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyrtoChalemi

Image Credits
@ The Thihef.of.time (Paul) @ elphotographygr (Lefteris Petridis)