During a recent teaching trip to Beijing in October, Dr Yan Sun, Dr Jonathan Loo, and Dr Michaela MacDonald had the privilege of attending a groundbreaking contemporary ballet performance by Intradance, a pioneering dance company from the Netherlands. What made this performance especially significant was the inclusion of dancers with a wide range of disabilities, demonstrating not only their extraordinary talent but also how inclusivity can enrich art and human expression. This unique performance, taking place in the 798 Cube art gallery exhibiting Yunchul Kim’s Earthing project, bridged the worlds of art and science, providing a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity in all fields.
The performance resonated deeply with us as a powerful illustration of how EDI values can shape and enhance our lives, even in disciplines like dance that might seem far removed from an engineering background. The ability to overcome their physical limitations and create something truly beautiful underscored the critical role that diversity and inclusivity play in all environments, whether in the performing arts or in professional and academic spaces like ours. It highlighted the need to embrace diverse perspectives, fostering an environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive.