Tasked with serving as a primary voice for dance and dancers throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the WDA-AP encourages the exchange of ideas and the awareness of dance in all its forms. Led by former president, Urmimala Sarkar Munsi, let's see what she has to say about international collaborations and diplomacy in dance.
1. Setting of visible and common goals across international borders through mutual exchanges.
Becoming a part of the alliance entails more than just joining a network — it involves assuming a role as a representative of one's country within the global dance community. Organizations or institutions within a regional center can become Chapter members, serving as vital points of communication and networking at both regional and global levels. These Chapters play a proactive role in proposing and implementing projects that address not only the overarching goals of the World Dance Alliance (WDA) and WDA-Asia Pacific but also the specific needs of the local dance community.
The goals of these Chapters are clear and succinct:
- Promote the recognition, development, and mutual understanding of all forms of dance.
- Facilitate communication and exchange among individuals, institutions, and organizations interested in dance.
- Provide a forum for discussion of matters relating to dance.
- Encourage and support research, education, criticism, creation, and performance of dance.
- Liaise, coordinate, and participate in activities with other dance organizations worldwide.
However, the process of joining the alliance entails careful consideration of not only the benefits but also the cultural and logistical implications, as members effectively represent their respective countries. Once these details are meticulously addressed, organizations can move forward in formulating future objectives. The crux of international relations lies in establishing visible and common goals across borders through mutual exchanges, fostering meaningful collaborations in various dance-related activities such as performances, choreolabs, lecture demonstrations, residencies, scholarly seminars, and publications.
2. One most painful lesson is regarding the increased vulnerability of the young and emerging dancers.
While the pursuit of dance can be immensely fulfilling, young dancers today face a myriad of obstacles and challenges along the way. One significant hurdle is the increasing competition due to lower barriers to entry into the field. Moreover, embarking on a career in dance often demands substantial financial investment in training, classes, costumes, and travel expenses for competitions or auditions, which many families find difficult to afford. Additionally, with the ongoing dilution of academic qualifications, young dancers must navigate the delicate balance between their academic responsibilities and their dance training, which can be overwhelming.
In light of these challenges, it is crucial for the dance community to address these difficulties and provide resources, support, and advocacy to help young dancers thrive in their careers. Fortunately, Urmimala is attuned to the heightened vulnerability of young and emerging dancers. The World Dance Alliance Asia-Pacific (WDAAP) has played a pivotal role in providing networking opportunities for dancers. With its 16 chapter members, the alliance has successfully cultivated connections with various countries and cultural landscapes, facilitating the exchange of ideas and exposing young dancers to diverse cultural practices and career development approaches.
As the president, Urmimala acknowledges the challenges exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has transitioned the world into a predominantly online environment. While networking may seem more accessible through social media platforms, the execution of large and sustainable projects has become less prevalent. However, this does not preclude the initiation or incubation of meaningful projects. It ultimately depends on the collective momentum of the alliance to discern the most effective approach for any given moment, leveraging the resources and expertise of the organizations to benefit both established and younger dancers alike.
3. The role of an organization needs to be updated, as per the dance ecology to be meaningful in the changing times.
As the world evolves, it's crucial for organizations to adapt to the changing needs of international dance communities in performance, academia, and teaching. The role of an organization must be updated to remain relevant in the shifting landscape of dance ecology. Historically, dance has often been seen as a follower rather than a leader in society, but the establishment of the World Dance Alliance (WDA) has challenged this perception by advocating for constant innovation across its agendas, which include Education & Training, Research & Documentation, Creation & Presentation, and Support & Development.
One effective initiative undertaken by the WDA is the publication of the World Dance Alliance Asia Pacific Channels, a bi-annual newsletter that profiles dance events and activities from WDA members throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Produced by Ausdance National in collaboration with MyDance Alliance in Malaysia, this newsletter serves as a platform for members to share information about new events, presentation methods, and creative approaches developed by participating artists.
Furthermore, the status of chapter members is upheld as a key aspect of the WDA's operations. Membership qualification is a stringent process, ensuring that members are committed to furthering the objectives of the society. Once inducted, members enjoy various benefits, including attendance at regional and global assemblies, discounts on member events, and privileged access to services and activities offered by WDA-Americas. Despite the challenges faced in recent years, the dance communities across the Asia Pacific have undoubtedly demonstrated resilience and creativity, reflecting the ongoing vitality of dancers, choreographers, and dance organizations.
Check out the full episode here
20.01.2025
