NCP Development seminar 2025

9.10.2025 0 Tykkää 0 kommenttia

The NCP development seminar was held at Hanasaari in August 2025.

Fostering Resilience and Well-being in Choreography Education

The recent NCP development seminar, entitled Fostering Sustainability in Choreographic Pedagogy, for NCP staff and three guests from Central European education contexts, was a great opportunity to discuss key challenges in choreography education today—social interaction, student mental health, and the uncertain future of artistic careers.

The seminar underscored the importance of adaptability, agency, and community in preparing students for the evolving landscape of dance and performance.

Discussions centered on themes such as social well-being in heterogeneous study groups. And innovative practices like une culture du regard, an aural-visual tool for recognizing students’ artistic work within its contextual origins, were discussed. Digitality was explored viadigital learning portfolios to give students more control over their study load, promoting well-being in intensive academic settings. Career Preparedness was discussed through theemphasis on the value of discourse-driven choreography teaching, encouraging students to develop adaptable, critical skills beyond physical technique. Participants also explored diverse production models and context-sensitive choreography methods, equipping future dance artists to thrive beyond traditional theatre spaces.

The topics above were explored through five presentations, with cross-referencing in post-presentation discussions and peer-based reflections. The dynamic blend of presentations and peer learning produced a collaborative environment in which seminar participants’ knowledge was enriched, but the seminar also empowered them to further specify their unique perspectives on choreography education.

One of the seminar’s most impactful outcomes was the expansion of teaching practices and methods aimed at better supporting students—both academically and professionally. A key example was the integration of an online platform designed to enhance students’ artistic research presentations. This digital tool opened new avenues for expression and documentation, fostering a more interactive and accessible learning experience.

Ultimately, the seminar catalyzed pedagogical innovation, encouraging choreography pedagogues to rethink their approaches and embrace new methods. To shape the educational landscape of MA Choreography programs, such collaborative spaces for staff remain vital for nurturing responsive and forward-thinking pedagogy.

Written by Jana Unmüssig