How can dance be conceived from the perspective of blind and visually impaired people? How can movement, sound, and language be combined in such a way that dance becomes accessible to different modes of perception? And what does this require?
Image gallery
Annika Jakobs
The workshop Aesthetics of Access: Audio Description views accessibility as an artistic, collective, and structural practice and explores how artistic processes can emerge from the perspectives of blind and visually impaired people.
Building on approaches from the Aesthetics of Access, participants will collectively explore different ways to design dance and performance not as an afterthought, but from the very beginning as and with blind and visually impaired dancers, performers, choreographers, audio describers, dramaturgs, and educators. Audio description serves as one method among many for reflecting on perception, access, and multisensory experience.
The workshop is led by Annika Jakobs, a visually impaired Access dramaturg. Through theoretical input and short practical exercises, it provides an introduction to the topic:
What does “Aesthetics of Access” mean in relation to forms of expression and modes of perception for blind and visually impaired people?
- How can production processes be designed to be accessible for blind and visually impaired artists?
- How can multisensory experience be used as an aesthetic tool in dance—and what role do language and description play in this?
- What is needed at the structural level to ensure accessibility for blind and visually impaired people?
There will also be a brief introduction to the Making a Difference network.
Afterward, everyone is invited to attend the performance with audio description, *A Good Man is Hard to Find* by BULLYACHE, at the Sophiensælen as part of the International Performance Festival Never Work.
The workshop and performance are free of charge.
The workshop is open to blind, visually impaired, and sighted participants between the ages of 16 and 27. No prior experience is necessary.
The workshop is part of the “speaking dance” workshop series organized by Future Move e.V. in cooperation with the Sophiensælen and the Making a Difference network.
Registration is also possible by email at barrierefreiheit@sophiensaele.com or by phone at 030 278900 35.
IN GERMAN
Additional information
Accessibility
The Sophiensæle can be reached via the accessible stations at Hackescher Markt and Weinmeisterstraße; some sections of the route are on cobblestone.
Inside the building, the cafeteria, banquet hall, and wedding hall are accessible by elevator; barrier-free and gender-neutral restrooms are also available.
Dates
June 2026
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