CoDa | Cultures of Dance. European Research Network for Dance Studies

Funder

Flanders Research Foundation

Value

£10, 708

PI and Project Team Members

• Professor Sarah Whatley
• Professor Scott deLahunta
• Dr Susanne Foellmer
• Dr Simon Ellis
• Dr Hetty Blades

Collaborators

University of Antwerp (LEAD), KU Leuven, Ghent University, Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp, Université libra de Bruxelles, University of Roehampton, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Coventry University, Utrecht University, University of Arts in Belgrade.

Duration of project

5 Years

Project overview

This Scientific Research Network (WOG) aims to advance the emerging field of dance studies both in a Flemish and European context through the creation of an interuniversity platform that facilitates the interaction between dance scholars and allows for the substantial and continual exchange of expertise.

Project objectives

• To increase the interaction between dance scholars in Europe on the level of research and of teaching;
• To foster the mutual exchange of knowledge, expertise, and skills between international dance researchers;
• To advance the development of inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary methodologies for dance research through collaborative initiatives (including core group meetings; working visits; summers schools);
• To contribute to the creation of the first International Master of Dance Studies in Flanders.

• Impact statement

  Ever since the emergence of a new generation of Flemish choreographers in the early 1980s (such as Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Alain Platel, or Wim Vandekeybus), the dance scene in Flanders has known an unprecedented expansion that is internationally recognized and receives high esteem worldwide. Academically, however, Flanders has until now never taken up a frontier role in giving shape to dance studies as field of research.

  What makes this initiative unique and impactful is the initiative on the part of the growing community of Flemish dance scholars to connect with a larger network of international partners and peers in Europe. The Flemish team will function as a bridge between all partners who have few opportunities to meet and exchange together, particularly on the European landscape. Additionally, the initiative includes a special focus on new interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, including interaction with social and cognitive sciences.

  With the main goal of enhancing the international visibility and valorization of Flemish dance scholarship, this project equally aims to be the first substantial research network specifically targeting European dance scholarship. In this way, the project will provide a much-needed complement to the Dance Studies Association (DSA), which is currently the largest academic organization in dance studies, yet primarily oriented towards North-America. It is intended that the network will continue after the five years in the form of joint research projects and other collaborations continuing to increase the breadth and depth of dance studies.

• Outputs
  • Summer schools
  • Conference and publication
  • Joint research projects
  • International MA programme in Dance Studies