This is the third episode of the LACE Symposium podcast, the official podcast of the LACE Symposium for Dance and Other Contemporary Practices.

The host of this episode, dance artist, educator, and curator of LACE Symposium pavleheidler (pav) (they/them) (adhd/autism), talks to LÂAM (he/him/they/او ), dance artist and contributor to the LACE #3: Materialising Touch Symposium.

pav and LÂAM discuss various approaches to bridging language barriers and fostering inclusive expression through creative practice, paying special attention to the potential use of gibberish (which is going to be the focal point of LÂAM’s Deep Dive). The conversation includes reflections on the transformative power of creative practice in building empathy and connection, and the role of significance of including such practices in community building.

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Note: This episode was recorded on May 18, just weeks before Israel launched its first unprovoked attack on Iran.

At the time of recording, we were optimistic that LÂAM would be able to attend the Symposium in person. Since the outbreak of war, however, LÂAM’s visa application process has been suspended, and their plans to travel to Austria have been put on hold. As members of the curatorial team, we are doing everything we can to support LÂAM in navigating these uncertainties and finding a way to join us this summer.

LÂAM is based in Tehran. We are deeply concerned for their safety and the well-being of their family, neighbors, and community. The escalation of violence threatens countless lives and futures, and our solidarity is with all civlians affected by this conflict and conflicts like this.

If you’re looking for ways to support victims of war, consider donating to trusted humanitarian organizations providing emergency aid, advocating for peace through local and international channels, and amplifying the voices of those directly impacted. Even small actions can make a difference.

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The central question the conversation revolves around is, What does your experience of being a dance artist and communicating through the medium of dance affords you; what kind of observational capacity, what kind of capacity to act?

This is the third in a series of conversations held with contributors to this year's symposium. With this series we are hoping to introduce the symposium, its curators, and the contributors to the public in anticipation of the event itself. In our conversations, we are committed to "leading by example". We're hoping that what we say and how we say it will introduce us in an affective way, in a different capacity perhaps from our bios and CVs. To find out more about who we are, and read our bios, please visit ⁠⁠www.lacesymposium.com⁠⁠.

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LACE Extended takes place the week after the Symposium, offering the participants of the Symposium the opportunity to extend the amount of time spent in-relation to presenters and their practices, and other participants of the event. Registrations are open!

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LACE Symposium is curated by Deirdre Morris (she/they), Sylvia Scheidl (she/her), and pavleheidler (they/them). LACE Symposium takes place in July in the context of ImPulsTanz -- Vienna International Dance Festival. LACE Symposium is supported by Erasmus+.