Dancing Age(ing) - Rethinking Age(ing) in and through Improvisation Practice and Performance

Contemporary dance can contribute to a critical discourse on age and ageing by developing strategies that allow dance artists to do age(ing) differently, offering alternatives to stereotypical and normative age(ing) narratives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Contemporary dance has the potential to make a significant contribution to a critical discourse on age and ageing. Susanne Martin's project, "Age(ing) Differently," explores strategies that enable dance artists to engage with age(ing) in unique and innovative ways. This artistic research inquiry draws on and contributes to dance practice, developing, discussing, and staging practices and performances that offer alternatives to stereotypical and normative age(ing) narratives.

One of the key aspects of Martin's project is her emphasis on the practice of age(ing). She argues that age(ing) is not just a biological process but also a social and cultural one that is shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and values. By exploring age(ing) through dance, Martin seeks to challenge the dominant narratives that surround it and promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of ageing.

Martin's project includes a range of practices and performances that explore different aspects of age(ing). For example, she has created a series of dance films that explore the experiences of older people in different contexts, such as care homes and retirement communities. These films highlight the challenges and joys of ageing and offer a platform for older people to share their stories and perspectives.

Martin also works with older people to create dance performances that reflect their experiences and perspectives. These performances are often collaborative and involve a range of dance styles and techniques. By working with older people, Martin aims to challenge the idea that ageing is a process of decline and to promote a sense of vitality and creativity.

In addition to her work with older people, Martin has also collaborated with younger dancers to explore the relationship between age and dance. She has created a series of dance workshops that explore the physical and emotional aspects of ageing and offer a platform for younger dancers to develop their skills and understanding of ageing.

Martin's project has had a significant impact on the field of dance and ageing. It has challenged the dominant narratives that surround age(ing) and promoted a more inclusive and diverse understanding of ageing. Martin's work has been presented at a range of international conferences and festivals, and has been featured in a number of publications.

One of the key challenges of Martin's project is the need to address the ageism that exists in the dance industry. Ageism can be a significant barrier to participation in dance, and can lead to discrimination and exclusion. Martin has worked to address this issue by creating a network of older dancers and by promoting the work of older dancers through her project.

Martin's project also has implications for wider society. By challenging the dominant narratives that surround age(ing), Martin aims to promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of ageing. This can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of older people, as well as on the wider community.

In conclusion, contemporary dance has the potential to make a significant contribution to a critical discourse on age and ageing. Susanne Martin's project, "Age(ing) Differently," explores strategies that enable dance artists to engage with age(ing) in unique and innovative ways. By challenging the dominant narratives that surround age(ing), Martin aims to promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of ageing and to address the ageism that exists in the dance industry. Martin's work has had a significant impact on the field of dance and ageing, and has implications for wider society.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 150 x 226 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837637144