SHORT PORTRAITDanceOn60+hybrid by Kulturator | GUTE-DINGE-STIFTUNG
DanceOn60+hybrid is an inclusive, hybrid dance project that initiates and digitally connects contemporary dance groups at facilities which work with senior-aged people. It leverages modern technology to enable older people both with and without disabilities to participate in socio-cultural projects. The pandemic has produced a greater openness to modern technology among these target groups, making DanceOn60+hybrid possible: An in-person dance event is digitally linked with other groups and individuals, thereby establishing connection beyond geographical boundaries. Social camaraderie represents a central aspect of this project, with a consistent parallel focus on artistic exploration with contemporary dance and individuals with an advanced age.
“This is a wonderful project which uses the sense of touch to tackle a highly topical issue – loneliness in old age. DanceOn60+hybrid succeeds in creating excitement among older people for contemporary dance and providing them with companionship them, both locally and digitally. It gets people moving in the truest sense of the term, luring them out of their isolation so they can do things together. That is where the integrative potential of dance as an art form unfurls. This is a great genre for working with an aging society that is becoming more and more diverse.”, says the jury.
3 new questions to… Ralf Otto, Project manager for DanceOn60+hybrid
Through the hybrid format, we were able to establish several locations within and outside of Munich and thus significantly expand the visibility of the project. In the meantime, there are a variety of events, venues as well as formats in presence and hybrid.
We were able to deepen and optimise the technical and didactic implementation of the dance events. Today we have highly professional formats that we can draw on in different contexts.
It has succeeded in being an integral part of the city’s cultural education landscape for people in old age. For 2024, we have the prospect of being made permanent as part of the city budget. This means a higher professionalisation of the offers, targeted location development as well as a deepened quality assurance of multi-professional teams throughout Bavaria. DanceOn has a future! The Power of the Arts Award was an important building block in our development – thank you for your trust!
3 questions to… Ralf Otto, Project manager for DanceOn60+hybrid
DanceOn60+hybrid is an inclusive contemporary dance project for seniors with live music, as an in-person event and high-quality live broadcast.
We will use the €50,000 of prize money to found three dance groups in Munich and Upper Bavaria, and then link them with a hybrid dance event in Munich. This is intended as a pilot project for helping other dance groups get started in the upcoming years. The vision is to create a network of autonomous dance groups for seniors.
… that we dare to be more inclusive, for inclusion enriches us all.