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DanceAble Symposium 2026: Imagining an Accessible Dance Future 

March 6, 2026

A co‑curator of the DanceAble Symposium stands on stage holding a microphone and speaking to the audience, while another co‑curator sits beside them using a wheelchair. Both are positioned in a warmly lit theatre space with wooden wall panels in the background, addressing attendees during a presentation at Holland Dance Festival.
Irene van Zeeland and Kimberly Harvey co-curators of DanceAble 2026, ph. Elles Tuhusula
Stage dance performance with several dancers, including wheelchair users, before an audience
Dansontmoeting ’26 | Storm choreographed by Kirsten van Tol, ph. Elles Tuhusula
Four speakers are sitting on the stage. Behind them a slide with part of title of the conference about technology, AI and access
The speakers from Left to Right: Alberto Quirico, Mark Hotting, Kim Baraka and Humberto Tan, ph. Elles Tuhusula

During Holland Dance Festival 2026, the DanceAble Symposium brought together artists, researchers, and cultural leaders from around the world to explore this year’s theme: Inclusive by Design. Rather than focusing on target groups or visibility alone, the symposium invited participants to imagine a dance field where inclusion is embedded from the very beginning of artistic creation.

The day opened with remarks from Kimberley Harvey, and Irene van Zeeland, co-curators of the symposium – Humberto Tan, followed by Danser la Faille, a keynote by French artists Magali Saby and Sylvère Lamotte, and the contemplative short film Preface by Madeleine Månsson. Two round tables shaped the afternoon: one on technology, AI, and robotics for accessibility, and another on inclusion within the mainstream dance sector. 

Artistic presentations enriched the discussion, with contributions from ConCuerpos Netherlands, PodiumINC, Compagnie Tiuri, Codarts, and the vibrant Dansontmoeting ’26 project. The screenings of short films by Maylis Arrabit added further artistic perspectives.

The 2026 DanceAble Symposium reinforced a crucial truth: inclusion is not an add-on — it is a practice, a framework, and an artistic opportunity. Rather than asking how disabled artists might enter the mainstream, the program invited everyone to imagine how the mainstream itself can transform. 

Audience feedback highlighted the atmosphere of connection, inspiration, disabled joy, pride, and possibility. 

Curator Irene van Zeeland reflected:  

We created a diverse program where you were asked to think along, connect with others, and enjoy beautiful art by incredible disabled artists.  

Co‑curator Kimberley Harvey added:  

It is always a pleasure to witness the energy of those who attend and to consider how we continue progressing toward inclusivity and equity in dance.

The 2026 edition reaffirmed DanceAble’s role as a vital platform for imagining a dance sector that not only welcomes diversity, but truly thrives because of it.