Creating a safe space in the creative process of Where We Meet
“Dancers need a supportive environment that allows them to be fully present and make choices aligned with their personal boundaries and artistic instincts.”
As both a dance artist and wellbeing coach, my practice revolves around the idea of care. I believe that for dancers to offer their best selves in their work, they need a supportive environment that allows them to be fully present and make choices aligned with their personal boundaries and artistic instincts. This ethos guided me in creating a safe space throughout the creative process and rehearsals for Where We Meet.
Creating a safe space in the studio goes beyond enabling productivity—it empowers the artistry itself. When dancers feel secure and supported, they are more willing to take risks, explore their vulnerabilities, and connect authentically with their work and with one another.
In Where We Meet, this foundation of care allowed us to delve into complex and sensitive material with depth and integrity. The characters’ journeys through mental health challenges could only emerge with honesty because the dancers felt that their own experiences and boundaries were seen, heard, and protected.
The project explores characters navigating mental health challenges—not by focusing on the acute difficulties but on how they cope and connect through them. To work with such sensitive material, I drew upon the tools I’ve developed over the years as a meditation guide, life coach, and dance practitioner.
Foundations of the practice
Before entering the studio, we start with open and clear conversations. It’s essential for everyone—dancers and team members alike—to understand the subject matter of the work and the framework we’re operating within. These discussions include space for questions and reflections, ensuring that doubts, concerns, and boundaries can be shared openly. This upfront clarity sets the tone for trust and mutual respect.
Studio practices
In the studio, we begin every day with a check-in moment. This gathering helps the team pause, reflect on what each person brings into the space, and set expectations for the day. When the schedule allows, everyone in the team is encouraged to join, including tech team and other creatives. From there, we transition into a simple self-awareness practice, often a short meditation, which naturally flows into the warm-up.
Throughout the day, flexibility is key. We collaboratively decide on break schedules and explore strategies to “refresh our energies” when needed. An example of that may be a specific movement exercise to release tension or a guided breathwork to support the team to reset and restart with fresher energy. These moments of recalibration are vital for sustaining focus and presence in the creative process.
At the end of each session, we close with a check-out practice. This helps the team let go of any lingering tensions or thoughts from the day. We also dedicate time for group reflection, creating a sense of closure and ensuring everyone feels heard before leaving the space.
Adapting to the needs of the team
While these practices are foundational, they are not rigid. Every individual and team is different, and it’s important to adapt to the evolving needs of those in the room. Some days, the group might need more time to process emotions or dive into deeper discussions; on others, there’s a collective energy that calls for immediate action and movement. By staying attuned to these shifts, we maintain an environment that is both productive and compassionate.
Want to see Where We Meet in action? Check our ‘What’s on’ page for our next performances.