Here I am, launching a new survey! After exploring topics like men who follow and dancers’ relationship to transmission, I’m now turning to an issue of great importance: how our dancefloors can be made more welcoming for dancers with disabilities.
At balls, festivals, or dance workshops, I regularly meet dancers with disabilities who take part in these events—often without their situation being visible or acknowledged by non-disabled people. This makes me wonder how they interact with others in relation to their lived experiences, their needs, or specific challenges. How can we better take their realities into account to build more accessible and welcoming dance spaces together? And quite simply, how can we foster better dialogue between all of us?
This survey is addressed to all dancers—whether you already practise or would like to practise social dance—and who would like to share their point of view.
This survey will remain open until 20 May 2025.
Thank you to Florence from Dansons en corps and Emmanuelle Séjourné for contributing to this reflection, and to everyone who chooses to take part. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at info @ creactiviste.fr.
Disclaimer: Please note that I am neither a sociologist nor a researcher. This survey and its analysis are carried out on a voluntary and amateur basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by “social dance”?
As this is the main topic of my blog, I’m focusing on what are often called “social dances”—that is, styles of dance practised in social settings like balls (bal folk, salsa, Argentine tango, ballroom dance, swing, etc.). This survey does not address choreographed or performance-based dance practices (such as contemporary dance, ballet, modern jazz…).
I don’t have a disability, but I have something to say—can I respond to the survey?
This survey is primarily aimed at those with lived experience of dance and disability—as dancers, organisers, or teachers. We do not wish to speak on behalf of those most concerned. However, if you have a relevant story or reflection to share, of course, feel free to contribute.
May I share your survey in my community ?
Yes, please ! Here you’ll find a poster (pdf) you can print and put in your dance community. And I thank you so much for your help !
