Choreographer Charlotte Spencer (UK) in conversation with architect and writer Marwa Al-Sabouni (Syria).

Dance, Intimacy & the Civic is a series of talks by creative practitioners produced by Independent Dance in partnership with Sadler’s Wells and the University of Roehampton. The series focuses on the relationship between dance and civic space, and the place of dance in public life. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also ask how dance and creativity can enable social cohesion and repair.

Taking place in person in the Lilian Baylis Studio and online on Zoom, this talk features choreographer Charlotte Spencer (UK) in conversation with architect and writer Marwa Al-Sabouni (Syria); together and with the audience they will discuss how the discipline of architecture meets that of a dancer and choreographer, and how their interests in public spaces, social boundaries and ethical lines relate.

The series stems from currently heightened consciousness around both ‘intimacy’ and the ‘civic’ through two years of global pandemic. The incalculable losses of this period coexist with an urgent need to pay attention to our civic structures and social responsibilities, and to social justice; a widespread desire to make change and not to return to ‘normal’.

Dance, Intimacy & the Civic is led by Independent Dance in partnership with Sadler’s Wells and the University of Roehampton.

Header image © Zoe Manders of Dancers Louise Tanoto and Dan Daw