ABOUT US

The Society for Dance Research (gtf) fosters research in the field of dance and facilitates communication among researchers and practitioners. Inspired by UNESCO, the Society for Dance Research was founded on May 31st, 1986 in Cologne (Germany). Having its base in the German-speaking world (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), it seeks to establish a broad network through international cooperation. As a space for dance discourse, the gtf explores current issues related to dance. We advocate a broad notion of research by integrating scholarly insights and dance practice in the fields of performance, education, and therapy. With this approach, the gtf appeals to dancers, choreographers, dance educators, dance therapists and dance scholars as well as journalists and professionals from theater, film, TV, art and music with an interest in dance. At the same time, the gtf seeks to facilitate the exchange and networking of early-career scholars.

The Society of Dance Research counts on the collaboration of its members and offers them opportunities for setting up project groups. We organize conferences and symposia, some in cooperation with other associations and institutions, and we provide an institutionalized framework for presentations, workshops, labs, lecture performances and discussions.  The contributions to the symposia are published in its annual yearbook "Jahrbuch Tanzforschung" ["Yearbook Dance Research"].

On a national and international level, the Society for Dance Research represents the interests of dance research to the political and cultural public (German Cultural Council, Dachverband Tanz Deutschland e.V. [umbrella organisation for Dance in Germany], International Theatre Institute ITI, Conseil Internationale de la Danse CID.

Members receive a comprehensive monthly newsletter with current information about dance-related activities.