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Headlines
Research reveals risk of injury and exhaustion as new mothers feel pressures to return to Dance work too soon.
Published: 28th February 2024
Funded by Dance Professionals Fund and conducted by Professor Angela Pickard, Canterbury Christ Church University, this qualitative study 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.
The report highlights the key findings of the PiPA study and builds on existing initiatives. It examines the physical and psychological challenges, particularly faced by freelance dance professionals who are mothers, affecting their career development, their sense of identity, and personal well-being.
Clemmie Cowl, Executive Director of Dance Professionals Fund, who funded the research, comments:
“We have been involved in this journey with PiPA since the start of the Dance Best Practice Research Project 2020. We are so pleased to see an important milestone being reached through the publication of this report. Although in some ways difficult reading, it is essential that the lived experience of dancers is given voice, in order that barriers to a dance career are removed.”
Anna Ehnold-Danailov, our Co-CEO and Creative Director, 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.
Our 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 supporting 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.”
Key Findings
Fear of discrimination
71% of mothers reported extensive deliberation before starting a family, fearing repercussions on their careers.
Returning to work too soon
75% of mothers in the study returned to work within six months after giving birth, risking physical exhaustion and injury.
Work & life conflict
Two-thirds of mothers reported struggling with work-life balance, leading to occupational stress, and forcing mothers to turn down auditions, projects, and performances.
Talent haemorrhage
One in five focus group participants are considering leaving the dance sector altogether.
Concealing pregnancy
Women conceal pregnancies and caring responsibilities due to fear of compromising their reputation in the dance industry.
Identity Crisis
The absence of visible role models perpetuates a lack of awareness and understanding of pregnancy and parenthood in dance, leading to identity crisis and talent drain.