Building Integrated Dance in Denmark

Building Integrated Dance in DenmarkDanceCast is a podcast that spotlights non-traditional dance artists. It is produced by Silva Laukkanen, an advocate for inclusive dance based in Austin, TX.In this episode of DanceCast, Silva interviews Janne Weidinger Kristensen, the Artistic Director of The Association of Integrated Dance in Denmark, or Foreningen for integreret moderne dans I Danmark (FIDM). FIDM is in the process of transitioning from an association to a company, and alongside that change, Janne is hoping to focus more on creative work than administrative work. Janne reflects on how FIDM has struggled to reach members of the community with disabilities because society doesn’t value people with disabilities as artists. Along those lines, FIDM produces a festival in Denmark focused on artists with disabilities, which Janne is hoping to expand in the future.Janne Weidinger Kristensen is a cultural entrepreneur who has worked in integrated contemporary dance in Denmark since 2013. She is the Artistic Director of The Association of Integrated Dance in Denmark / Foreningen for integreret moderne dans I Danmark (FIMD). Janne was educated in the UK at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Prior to this she was an elite gymnast from the age of five. She also works as a body/movement therapist and coach, educated in the Bowen-technique, L.E.P., Body Analysis and Change Catalyst Programme, and in Heartfulness Training by Dr. Stephano Sabetti. Alongside her work with FIMD, she is a board member in Brancherådet for scenekunst I Danmark (the counsel for performing arts in Denmark), an association that works for better rights for dancers in Denmark.To learn more about FIMD, visit www.integrateddance.dk.