Ioanna Portolou studied Fine Art at Central Saint Martins School of Art, BA, the Slade School of Fine Art, MA, and went on to complete the two-year dance and choreography programme at the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance. She later completed a Body Psychotherapy modality training, (Core Energetics). Her work combines all three paths of study. Ioanna Portolou works primarily with improvisation using the body Psychotherapy modality for in depth research in authentic movement, emerced in contexts usually emerging from her fine art background. She has been working steadily with composer Anthony Palaskas for 15 years.

In 2000, she founded Griffón dance company, for which she has choreographed more than 20 pieces (2000–2025). The company’s works have been presented in various theatres and institutions in Greece, such as: Onassis Cultural Centre, Athens Epidaurus Festival, Megaron - The Athens Concert Hall, Kalamata International Dance Festival and abroad.

The company has been receiving steady subsidies from the Ministry of Culture and commissions from Greek cultural institutions since 2000, thus allowing it to premiere a new work almost each year.