Urgent call to address challenges faced by freelance mothers in dance
1 Mar 2024
New research into freelance parents and carers in the dance sector has revealed risk of injury and exhaustion as new mothers feel pressures to return to work too soon.
The research by charity Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) and Canterbury Christ Church University, funded by Dance Professionals Fund, found that invisible struggles, particularly faced by mothers in balancing their careers with caring responsibilities, are reaching a critical point.
The qualitative research, conducted by Professor of Dance Education Angela Pickard, who is also Director of Sidney de Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, was based on focus groups and interviews with 40 freelance dancers and dance artists from different backgrounds and styles within the contemporary dance sector, working for established as well as smaller scale dance companies. Highly concerning trends were identified from the research that are jeopardising the safety and well-being of freelance dancers and dance artists who are mothers.
Key findings include:
Professor Angela Pickard, who conducted the research commented: "Freelance dancers/dance artists who are mothers, can be impacted physically, psychologically, socially, and financially, during pregnancy, on becoming a mother, and in balancing caring responsibilities with a career in dance.
"This risks talent loss in the dance industry as dancers/dance artists who are mothers struggle to continue in the profession. This important work contributes to wider conversations within the contemporary dance sector around diversity, inclusion, sustainability and retention for longevity in the profession.
Anna Ehnold-Danailov, Co-CEO and Creative Director, Parents and Carers in Performing Arts who led the research team comments:
Through our work with dance organisations, we are aware that there are already great examples of inclusive practices in place. This research confirms this, however, it also highlights that more work is required to normalise pregnancy and parenthood in dance, and enable career continuation, especially for mothers. PiPA is committed to support the sector by sharing our resources and learning, working with employers to find innovative and sustainable solutions.
We want to thank the dance practitioners who came forward to share their experiences, as well as the dance organisations working with us to make this sector more inclusive and accessible to parents and carers.
The report signposts clear recommendations for Dance industry stakeholders which include:
Increase Awareness, Resources and Support:
Develop Workplaces:
Read the Executive Summary and recommendations.
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