Connect – exploring exchange within the dance community through participatory design
Connect is a participatory design project exploring how design can function as a tool for change within the dance community. The project investigates the stereotypes and divisions between street dancers and concert dancers, where an “us vs. them” mentality often limits collaboration and exchange between the styles. Using a metadesign approach, the project was developed together with participants from the Swedish dance community to gain a broader understanding of the system and the relations within it.
Although street dance and concert dance originate from different backgrounds and are presented in separate contexts, many aspects of their practice share strong similarities. This project focuses on the relation between dancers by highlighting these shared methods and approach to train.
As a part of the project, a toolkit based on improvisation practices was designed. Improvisation, also called freestyle, is an important practice used within both Hip Hop and Modern dance. During the research exploration, the similarities between the styles became more evident than expected. The toolkit presents multiple improvisation concepts framed for both styles, encouraging for the possibility of collective dance sessions and exchange between dancers from both styles.
The toolkit consists of cards presenting improvisation and freestyle concepts that can be used for solo practice, duets, or bigger groups. These categories are communicated through color-coded cards backs, allowing the toolkit to function flexibly around different freestyle or improvisation practice settings.
