1 travel day + 4 working days + 1 day of documentation + 1 travel day

Inclusive Dance Practice: Ways of Translation and Transmission

A research by Judith Hummel and Markéta Stránská

First Research Phase: Tanztendenz Munich, 3–7 March 2025

The first phase of our research aimed at building a shared artistic and movement understanding while developing strategies and methodologies for inclusive dance formats. We focused on creating an open yet structured environment that allowed topics to emerge organically. Establishing a clear schedule, including defined start and break times, was essential for fostering both productive work sessions and social bonding.

At this stage, we deliberately chose not to invite external participants to our process. Instead, we plan to engage with different audiences—such as school groups, workshop participants, dance colleagues, or students—in the near future to test and refine our developed tasks.

Credits: gefördert mit einem Arbeitsstipendium des Kulturreferats der Landeshauptstadt München.

Sound and movement

Methodology and Research Approach

Our working process for the week was structured around:

  1. Improvising together.
  2. Reflecting on the improvisations.
  3. Selecting key aspects for deeper exploration.
  4. Finding translations for diverse abilities, ranging from movement specialists to individuals with complex disabilities.

Throughout this phase, we explored themes related to hands and feet, imagery, spatial perception, sound, and movement. We also experimented with tactile materials such as paper and black coal to enrich sensory experiences.

under and over, Over and under

Fazit

Overall, this research phase has provided us with a solid foundation for further development. As we move forward, we look forward to sharing our findings with diverse participants, testing and refining our methods, and continuing to explore new pathways for inclusive dance practice. We are looking forward to the next steps of our research at Wainsgate (GB) in June as well as in Hradec Králové (CZ) in September 2025.

Developed Tasks

Several tasks emerged and were refined during our research:

  • Sound and Movement – Partners work together, with one person sitting (eyes closed/open), responding to sounds created by the other through clapping, snapping, and other auditory cues.
  • Complete Your Butterfly – Exploring symmetry, asymmetry, mirroring, and relational movement in pairs.
  • Under and Over / Over and Under – A fluid exploration of body perception, moments of rest, and game structures.
  • Paper Concerto – One person generates sound with various types of paper while the other listens, responding through movement, exploring proximity, rhythm, and timing.

Several other tasks are in progress.

Paper concerto

Complete your butterfly