Embedded Dancer: A Model for Regional Dance Practice Survival in the Context of Crisis

Abstract

Australia is increasingly impacted by sudden and slow on-set disasters related to climate change. Simultaneously, we in Australia are re-defining the role of the arts in the broader cultural arena, evidenced by political culture wars, and the forms of relief that have been offered to artists during the pandemic.

In this context artists are often forced to take on a sociological perspective when developing and devising their work. Funding and programming decisions are commonly based on perceived instrumental contributions of dance, while intrinsic values of the work are often not properly assessed, considered, or understood by those examining the practice.  My model of Embedded Creative Practice is a broad approach to artmaking. It is an alternative to other models, such as “socially engaged” or “community art.” Departing from my embedded dance work, the essay will attempt to find and explore diverging aspects of practice among other models, which can help to clarify and inform place-based creative practice.

This articles discusses and promotes better understandings of the foundations of place-based dance practice, widening the range of apparatus used in assessment or advocacy of such practice in the formation of creative programming, writing cultural policy, and doing artistic practice in a regional or crisis-impacted setting.