Art for Everyone: Breaking Barriers at COLLABORATIONS 1.0
In an age where art can sometimes feel inaccessible or exclusive, DANCE.FILM.PERFORMANCE (DFP) made a powerful statement: contemporary art is for everyone. As an award-winning contemporary dance theatre, DFP is known for blending the dynamic expressions of contemporary dance with the innovative dimensions of new media, visual arts, and fashion. Acting as both a dance company and a creative platform, it fosters collaboration and experimentation, allowing artists to transcend traditional boundaries and explore new forms of expression.
Its latest event, COLLABORATIONS 1.0, took place at London’s St. John’s Church, where dance, fashion, light, and sound seamlessly intertwined. The result was an immersive, boundary-pushing experience that captivated both seasoned art enthusiasts and newcomers alike—proving that when different disciplines collide, contemporary art can truly engage and inspire diverse audiences.
“This approach bridges a gap between different art communities, allowing DFP to fulfill its mission of cultivating an engaging entry point into the world of contemporary art for all and creating a diverse, innovative community,” shared Angelina Gorgaeva, CEO & Artistic Director of DFP shared.
One of the standout features of COLLABORATIONS 1.0 was how it drew in a diverse audience, regardless of their artistic background. The performances weren’t meant to be analyzed or decoded—they were meant to be felt. That feeling came from the way different art forms blended, inviting the audience to experience it all in their own way. Some were drawn in by the raw movement of the dancers, others by the striking visuals of fashion or the immersive soundscapes. But no matter what caught their attention first, everyone walked away having felt something real.
From the moment you stepped into St. John’s Church, the space felt less like a traditional venue and more like an extension of the performance itself. Darren Johnston—an artist-in-residence at Zaha Hadid Architects, a globally renowned firm known for its bold, futuristic designs—transformed the space with a stunning interplay of light and structure. His immersive installation bathed the performers in shifting patterns of light, sculpting the air around them and turning movement into something almost otherworldly. Shadows stretched, figures glowed, and the entire environment pulsed with an energy that made it impossible to feel like a passive observer.
Even those unfamiliar with contemporary dance found themselves absorbed, not just watching but experiencing the performance on a deeper, instinctive level. As one audience member put it: “I felt quite vulnerable, like I wanted to cry a little bit. I was struck by the fierceness of it, not contained but channelled very particularly.”
“By blending dance, fashion, and immersive visual effects, we showcase the expansive possibilities of contemporary art, inspiring creative freedom and breaking traditional barriers,” Angelina further explained. “Our events emphasize that contemporary art is for everyone, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration across communities and disciplines. Through this merging of art forms, we hope to cultivate mutual understanding, support, and connection between practitioners and audiences, leaving everyone inspired and united in a shared creative vision.”
One standout collaboration was with fashion designer Yuhan Ao, whose collection “FORGOTTEN THE TRACES“ was a striking fusion of nostalgia and innovation. The brand’s deconstructed tailoring, raw edges, and bold cutting techniques transformed the fashion showcased into a form of artistic expression that went beyond mere aesthetics. This seamless intersection of art forms made the event accessible to a broader audience, showing how fashion, like dance and music, can speak as powerfully as any traditional form of art.
Beyond the performances, the event provided a space for interaction and collaboration. As the night progressed, the church evolved into a party ground for artists, designers, producers, and other creative professionals.
By attending, guests didn’t just witness cutting-edge performances—they gained access to a network of industry professionals, making it a fertile ground for future collaborations. This opportunity to meet and interact with others in the creative field made the event much more than a night of performances; it was an incubator for innovation and partnership.
Looking forward, the energy and success of COLLABORATIONS 1.0 have laid the foundation for even more exciting developments in the future. One such initiative is the DFP Members Club, launched this December, offering a unique opportunity for creatives to deepen their engagement with contemporary art. Through this exclusive space, members can collaborate and share ideas, further pushing the boundaries of what art can be and how it connects with different communities. As DFP continues to expand, these initiatives will allow for even more vibrant intersections between artists, audiences, and art forms, ensuring that the conversation around art remains open and accessible to all.
Words by Leila Nopussova