explore dance Online Panel

A DIVERSITY OF PERSPECTIVES ON ARTISTIC OUTREACH PRACTICE IN DANCE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

It starts with the translation. Is what we call in german “künstlerische Vermittlungspraxis” Outreach, mediation, dance education …
In this online format, we are trying to find a term that describes mediation as an artistic component of a performance, because it is not merely an afterthought, nor is it simply an add-on to the performance. Outreach can form an integral part of rehearsals and engage the target audience; it can extend as far as co-curation or co-creation, or help the audience gain a better understanding of artistic means of expression and agency following the performance. In this way, outreach becomes the very heart of artistic practice. Guided by this principle, the explore dance network invites you to a nationwide programme series that re-examines and highlights its own approach to dance outreach.

During three digital Zoom events aimed at a nationwide and international interdisciplinary specialist audience we will explore key questions regarding aesthetics, participation and accessibility in greater depth.

The online discussion begins on 18 November, focusing on ‘Education as an artistic practice’. Here, the latest research findings will engage in dialogue with practical dance education: in a conversation between Claudia Steinberg and Susanne Schneider, theory and practice will be juxtaposed and re-examined in the context of the work within the explore dance network, whilst participants are given the opportunity to reflect on these issues together.

On 13 January, the focus will be on ‘Participation and co-creation’, accompanied by insights from the UK and Ireland, as well as an evaluation of artistic encounters with school pupils in Germany and the UK.

On 17 March, we will turn our attention to “Accessibility and Institutional Conditions”, enriched by best-practice examples from colleagues in the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Norway.

The digital sessions will be moderated by Nikola Schellmann. The exchange will conclude with an in-person event at the Zentrum junger Tanz in Frankfurt am Main in May 2027. Further details to follow.