
02. Artistic Pulses
The Scaling Up Programme aimed to challenge the current canon and diversify the dance programming on the major stages in Europe. It focused on mid-career artists from diverse social, cultural and aesthetic backgrounds who often struggle to find support that matches their ambitions. The choreographers were offered formal and informal mentoring and invited to the annual Big Pulse Intensives to foster an ongoing dialogue between the partners and artists, producers, managers and experts.
One of the Scaling Up Programme artists, Amala Dianor reflects on his experience.
Read more about Amala and his Big Pulse coproduction.
Connecting Artists and Stages
Line Rousseau of Agency A Tropic talks about the intricate world of dance representation. In this insightful video, Line discusses her crucial role as a matchmaker between venues and artists, emphasising the strategic and long-term approach necessary for fostering successful collaborations. Discover how she balances the immediate needs with future visions to nurture both artistic and venue growth.
Challenges When Scaling Up



- Be aware of the workload increase. Scaling up means more work for everyone involved at all levels, including administrative tasks, rehearsals and logistics. Make sure you are ready for that.
- Build a strong team for managing daily tasks such as rehearsals, travel logistics, tour schedules and contracts.
- Bring in an experienced producer to handle the increased complexity.
Artist Insights in Collaborating with Institutions
In this video, independent director, choreographer, and artist Charlotte Engelkes shares her experiences working with institutional theatres, discussing the creative processes she’s developed within these settings. She highlights the challenges of adapting her flexible, process-oriented approach to the structured schedules and practices of institutions, offering insights into balancing artistic freedom with the demands of larger organisations.
Three Quick Tips from Charlotte
- Ensure that the people in the institution understand how you approach the creative process.
- When you find skilled technicians, keep working with them.
- View your entry into an institution as the start of a long-term relationship that you will continue to develop and nurture beyond your initial visit.
Tips for Collaborating with Institutions is a pdf guide that offers more practical advice for working with institutional theatres, where permanent staff, fixed schedules and organisational structures shape the creative process. Alongside insights from director Charlotte Engelkes, lighting designer Karl Svensson and sound designer Willi Bopp share their perspectives. With resources to scale up productions, institutional theatres provide unique opportunities, and this guide will help you navigate these environments.
Building Trust in Institutions

Informative Links
- International Co-Production & Touring, by Guy Cools, Independent Producer.
- International Co-Production Manual, The Journey Which is Full of Surprises. Written and researched by Judith Staines, Sophie Travers, M J Chung.