Embedding Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Dance and Somatic Practices Conference

The field of dance and somatic practices has been historically critiqued for being dominantly white, able-bodied and with a greater need for acknowledgment of practice/research beyond Anglocentric regions (Eddy 2002, Fortin 2002, Fortin and Grau 2013, Alexander and Kampe 2017).

We aimsed to develop more inclusive research cultures in this field through developing access, equity and diversity strategies in CDaRE activities (conference, journal). This work is supported by members of the EDI Working Group at the Journal of Dance and Somatic Practices, and the Dance and Somatic Practices Conference team.

The process has helped us to reflect on the question ‘what is EDI?’ It involves listening to needs over the long term, awareness of your own power/position/privilege, willingness to act when opportunities arise, putting in time and prioritising it, acknowledgement of your own limitations/ failures, and resilience.

Funded by the Research Excellence Development Fund at Coventry University and Research England.