PRACTICES OF EMPATHY / workshops and discussion

“Practices of Empathy” dives into the capacities and quirks of radical empathy through choreographic practices rooted in authentic movement. It is an invitation to move, listen, and play our way into mutual understanding and support in the face of today’s tangled political and social landscape..

Together, we’ll craft tools to spark dialogue across generational, political, and moral divides. By listening to personal stories, developing spontaneous games, and imaginative dance scores we will aim to stretch our sense of togetherness beyond difference.

This workshop offers a glimpse into an ongoing choreographic research and a playful questioning of what choreographing means today. Through the sharing of movement-based tools, we will develop scores and explore them through improvisation. With both solo and collective explorations, we’ll investigate the complex interplay between storytelling and dance, bridging the realms of imagination and the tangible reality of the dancing body.

Note: This workshop wishes to create a space for encouraging mindfulness of consent, curiosity, self-responsibility, care, and respect of personal boundaries.

A discussion with the creators of the project, Alica Minar (choreographer) and Katarína Bakošová (dramaturg) and Lukáš Zorád, expert on de-polarisation and prevention of radicalisation, will focus on both the theoretical and personal dimensions of the themes explored through the body during the workshops. Together, we’ll reflect on what empathy means to us in the context of artistic creation, social engagement, and interpersonal relationships. What forms can empathy take in dance, and what forms in everyday communication? How do we listen to others – and how do we listen to ourselves?

An open space for sharing experiences, questions, doubts, and inspiration.

Researchers: Alica Minar / choreographer, Katarína Bakošová / dramaturg, Vi Huyen Tranová / music

Residencies: Nová Cvernovka, TELOCVIČŇA – Rezidenčné centrum pre tanec and PLAST – Platforme pre súčasný tanec in Bratislava SK

Partners: European Union, Culture Moves Europe and Goethe-Institut, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Czech State Fund for Culture, Prague City Hall

Disclaimer: The EU and Goethe-Institut are not responsible for views expressed in the workshop or related research activities.