Arts Council
Sectors
Arts & Culture
Giving dancers a voice
Wind & Foster was funded by Arts Council England to create a series of short-form biographical films documenting the lives of dancers during the pandemic. The project aimed to give a voice to artists whose careers depend on live performance.
What we did
We produced a series of films, each featuring a dancer confronting life without the stage. Through intimate interviews and performance footage, we documented the struggles and reinvention of these artists.
A dance inventory
Each dancer was filmed where they felt most at home; in their living spaces, empty studios, or on quiet city streets. This approach influenced mostly by the UK lockdown measures created deeply personal narratives.
A global movement
Built on Wind & Foster’s Moving Cities initiative, this project was driven by our long-standing relationships with dancers and companies worldwide. We captured global stories ensuring a diverse, international perspective on what it means to live without the stage.
A digital archive for dance
We developed an online platform to serve as a lasting digital archive of dance stories. With potential for a long-form documentary or broadcast feature, Moving Portraits is growing into a powerful resource for the dance industry. Watch here: https://movingportraits.org
Outcomes and impact
These films sparked critical conversations about the fragility of dance careers, the mental and financial struggles of freelance artists, and the future of live performance. They continue to raise awareness, providing a platform for dancers whose voices are often unheard.
Related Projects
Ideograma
British Council
KPMG
San Francisco Travel
Visit Dallas
ICE
Barnardo's
British Council