The Flexible Dancer - A Critical Exploration of Adaptability, Precarity and Agency

This event focuses on the multifaceted nature of the role of a dancer and how dancers' internal self-knowledge intersects with the external pressures of the professional dance world. Recognising that the dancer’s role can be perceived very differently depending on the context, this session is an opportunity to explore some of the challenges that are inherent to this artistic path. Flexibility in this context refers to both physical and mental adaptability, the capacity to embody new ideas and movement approaches as well as to respond to diverse working environments. Discussions will include how to foster autonomy and agency within creative and working relationships that have evolved from hierarchical traditions and often unconsciously carry these traces forward. By critically exploring the adaptability needed by dancers to navigate these many complexities within a precarious career path, this session invites a broad discussion on these issues with dancers, choreographers, producers, and other stakeholders in dance.