On 14 November 2022, the European Dancehouse Network held their annual conference, “Ecological Perspectives on Contemporary Dance: How Can We Move?,” which focused on discussing concrete actions and ideas for putting the European contemporary dance sector and its stakeholders on the path towards a sustainable future. During the conference EDN published their research, “Environmental Sustainability in Contemporary Dance: Emerging Issues, Practices and Recommendations.”
Commissioned to Jordi Baltà Portolés, the research Publication provides the context, references and examples of where and how dance intersects with environmental sustainability, and which set of actions can lead to effective practice.
Divided into four chapters, the publication first introduces the objectives of the report and the methodology used.
The second chapter, reveals the key terms and concepts of sustainability and the environment, and why the dance sector should (or should not) engage with environmental sustainability.
The third chapter identifies six central thematic areas: sustainability narratives and themes in contemporary dance, approaches to creation, production and presentation, mobility; transforming organisations to respond to environmental sustainability, partnerships and community relations and policies and support.
In its final, fourth chapter, the report provides a set of actions to be undertaken by EDN, some general guidelines for EDN members and other dance organisations, and a number of recommendations for public authorities and related bodies at EU, national, regional and local levels.
