Elpidoforou Michail
Graduate Physical Therapist from TEI of Athens, graduate Physical Education Instructor from SEFAA Serres of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with major specializations in Adapted Physical Education and Aerobics–Weights, and diploma Dance Teacher from the “Rallou Manou” Higher Professional Dance School. Concurrently, he holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree from the Department of Nursing of the University of West Attica (UNIWA) titled “Neurological Diseases – Modern Evidence-Based Practice.” Since 2020, he has been a PhD Candidate in the Department of Physical Therapy at UNIWA in Neurological Physical Therapy, investigating the therapeutic effect of dance on Parkinson’s disease, as well as a Scientific Associate of the Laboratory of Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Study of Motion “LANECASM” at the same university. He has numerous oral presentations at national and international conferences, as well as publications in peer-reviewed journals. His clinical, educational, and research interests focus on the use of therapeutic exercise and therapeutic dance as means of prevention and non-pharmacological complementary therapy in neurological, cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases, physical therapy applications in performing arts, and applied dance anatomy and kinesiology. He belongs to the teaching staff of the State School of Dance, where he has also served as a physical therapist since 2020, and has been a core faculty member at Studio One, Sports & Fitness School since 2007. He is a member of the Panhellenic Physical Therapists’ Association (PSF), the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS), the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). He was a member of the Working Group on Atrial Disease (2020–2022) of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). He is also certified in Acupuncture (UNIWA), Pilates (The Pilates Coach Organization), Clinical Pilates (OMT.D and Epimorfosis), Pilates for Dancers (Basi), Hatha Yoga (200h RYS), GYROTONIC®, GYROKINESIS®, and BODYART®. He represents the BODYART® method in Greece and is the owner of the Somatic Release Physical Therapy and Holistic Rehabilitation Center in Athens. He has danced, among others, with Dimitris Papaioannou’s Company 2, the Greek National Opera, the Athens Festival, and the Rallou Manou Choreodrama. He was a track and field athlete, with his peak achievement being 7th place in race walking at the World School Athletics Championship in Shanghai, China, in 1998.