While reading a compelling article in Nature titled “Flat Teams Drive Scientific Innovation”, I was struck by how its findings resonate with the dynamics of dance organisations. The study reveals that teams with flat hierarchies – where leadership roles are distributed and not concentrated at the top – tend to produce more innovative and impactful work compared to those with rigid, top-down structures. This insight prompted me to reflect on how such leadership models could be applied to the dance sector, where creativity and collaboration are paramount.
In the dance world, traditional hierarchical structures often place choreographers and directors at the top, with dancers and other staff members in subordinate roles. While this model has its place, it can sometimes stifle creativity and hinder the free exchange of ideas. Adopting a more horizontal leadership approach, where all members have a voice and are encouraged to contribute, can lead to more dynamic and innovative performances.
Research supports this shift. Studies have shown that flat organisational structures can lead to increased employee satisfaction, higher levels of innovation, and better overall performance. In the context of dance, this means fostering an environment where dancers feel empowered to share their ideas, experiment with new movements, and collaborate more freely with choreographers and directors.
Implementing such a leadership model requires a cultural shift within dance organisations. It involves creating a space where open communication is encouraged, where feedback is constructive and welcomed, and where every member feels valued and heard. This approach not only enhances the creative process but also builds a stronger, more cohesive team.
In conclusion, embracing flexibility in leadership within the dance sector can lead to more innovative and impactful artistic endeavours. By learning from the findings in scientific research and applying them to our own practices, we can cultivate environments that nurture creativity and collaboration, ultimately elevating the art form as a whole.
So, if we take these insights seriously, we might ask the dance sector: what would happen if the corps de ballet started giving notes to the artistic director? Would we see revolutionary choreography, or just a lot of confused minds?
The truth is, while the idea of fully flat leadership in dance is exciting, we’re not quite ready for it yet. Traditional hierarchies, strong personalities, and the nature of high-pressure performances make radical flattening a challenge. But even small steps, listening more, sharing ideas, and experimenting with collaborative creative processes, can bring us closer to a more flexible and innovative leadership model. After all, even if we’re not flipping the pyramid upside down tomorrow, we can start nudging it in the right direction.
© Javier Torres
