Labor and Aesthetics in European Contemporary Dance : Dancing Precarity

"This transdisciplinary study scientifically reports the way the established contemporary dance sector in Europe operates from a micro-perspective. It provides a dance scholarly and sociological interpretation of its mechanisms by coupling qualitative data (interview material, observations, logbooks, and dance performances) to theoretical insights. The book uncovers the sometimes contradicting mechanisms related to the precarious project-oriented labor and art market that determine the working and living conditions of contemporary dance artists in Europes dance capitals Brussels and Berlin. In addition, it examines how these working and living conditions affect the work process and outcome. From a sociological perspective, the book engages with the relevant contemporary social issue of precarity and this within the much-at-risk professional group of contemporary dance artists. In this regard, the research brings novelty within the subject area, particularly by employing a unique methodological approach. Although the research is initially set up in a specific geographical context and within a specific research population, the book offers insights into issues that affect our neoliberal society at large. The research findings show potential to make a relevant contribution with regards to precarity within dance studies and performance studies, but also labor studies and cultural sociology."-- Provided by publisher Front Matter ....Pages i-xii Introduction (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 1-5 Probing Precarity (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 7-35 Field of Inquiry and Methodology (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 37-70 Front Matter ....Pages 71-72 ‘Lifestyle Artists’ (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 73-86 Survival Artists (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 87-114 Front Matter ....Pages 115-116 The Fast (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 117-165 The Mobile (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 167-188 The Flexible (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 189-213 Front Matter ....Pages 215-216 Burning Out (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 217-254 Slowing Down (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 255-266 Conclusion: Precarity’s Plural Character (Annelies Van Assche)....Pages 267-282 Back Matter ....Pages 283-293