Interviews data

100% of participants* experienced situations in which their physical boundaries** were exceeded during choreographic processes.

*Participants were professional dancers actively working in the field. The research was conducted with a group of 20 participants. **Physical boundary referred to excessive physical effort, discomfort, and a lack of safety while working in a group. It did not include sexual violence.

9 out of 10 participants perceived expressing discomfort or fatigue as a sign of losing professionalism.

Only 3 out of 10 participants had ever communicated that their physical boundaries had been crossed during a choreographic process.

Insights

The work of a dancer is primarily physical. Boundary violations affect the safety of people working in physically demanding and high-endurance conditions. This impacts not only the psychological dimension, but above all the physical one.

"I felt like I was not giving them my full weight because I was physically afraid they would let me fall. When you dance in a group, you have to be able to trust the people you're working with completely."

Ula (dancer)

Design problem

How might we design tools for creative workplaces that encourage professionalism while creating space for self-expression, play, and a sense of belonging? How can communication gear make personal boundaries visible through movement and transparent communication?

Collaboration

With Polish choreographer Marta Wołowiec and dancers Haincheng Zhang, Alicja Weisskopf, Wojciech Sordyl, Matylda Stolarczyk.

After first prototyping, two aspects emerged as significantly influencing communication and the management of personal space.

Spatial aspects—space (whether we see each other or sit close/far apart) affects our sense of security.

Technical aspects—limits directly shape specific modes of interaction.

Combining spatial and technical elements, the project explores notions of personal space within physically demanding work through movement. Its visual language and functionality draw inspiration from equipment used in extreme conditions.

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