1.1: Lived Experiences and Challenges
Section aim

We will investigate some of the real-life daily experiences of disabled artists. These relate to accessing dance and working in dance.

We include thoughts on the public face and societal perceptions of disability and how these relates to the experiences of dance artists with disabilities.

We also consider the strategies disabled dancers might employ to support professional practice in potentially disabling environments. 

Working with choreographers

Welly is talking about some of the challenges that can arise when working with choreographers in the video below.

She talks about a disparity between a choreographer’s desired outcome and her own physicality.  Consider how a contrast between expectation and reality could impact on a disabled artists experience of making dance work. 

How are societal views of disability impacting on the choreographic process as described by Welly? Why is it important for diversity and for having an inclusive practice? Can you think of ways that this can be avoided?

Presentation and perceptions of work

Consider how disabled artists’ work may be presented or perceived differently to work by non-disabled artists. 

For example, the representations of para-olympians in the media were as ‘superhuman’ and often disabled people are regarded as inspirational. However, it is not always such a positive case, as disabled artists have also been represented as ‘pitiful’ or as creating ‘victim art’. It is important to acknowledge that disabled artists are presented differently to non-disabled artists. 

In the following clip from the film, David talks about how he wants his work to be perceived and what he has in mind when choreographing

Touring

In this short film below, Kate talks about her experience of touring as part of her collaborative practice with Welly. Consider how the practicalities of touring impact on the working processes of disabled artists. 

Kate talks about her personal experiences that relate to her own and Welly’s access needs. How do you think other disabled artists might experience the realities of touring and performing?

Daily challenges and experiences

It is important to consider some of  the daily challenges and experiences disabled artists might face. Also that in different circumstances the experience of disabled artists may differ from their non-disabled peers.

As a choreographer, venue planner or artist when you become aware of these, you will be inclined to consider each aspect so that you work/perform/manage an inclusive, diverse and equal practice. 

These experiences may relate to physical access of working spaces for dance, including travel to and from venues and rehearsal spaces. They may also be perceptual.

“I feel like and describe myself as a professional artist, however sometimes on my way to undertake dance work I encounter societal perceptions that make me feel somewhat objectified and remind me that the society can still see disability as ‘less capable’. This always impacts on my experience of a working process.”

– Kate Marsh, Artist/Researcher

It is central to progressing disabled artists and increasing the number of artists with disability in dance practice that stakeholders and gatekeepers in dance develop an understanding that there are factors beyond physical access that impact on the work of disabled dancers. 

When reading the following conversation, consider the following: How has legislation impacted on the work of AXIS? What are the unexpected obstacles in programming work made by and included disabled artists?
Does the UK context differ from the situation in the USA?

External links will open in a new web browser tab.