Rowena Gander

As an international performance artist with a PhD in dance practices, I create thought provoking solo performance works that question and negotiate themes of sexuality, power and objectification in women. Since 2015 I have worked the stigmatised vertical pole to

• tease out how objects can add to or dissolve female subordination.
• uncover a creative methodology that fluidly combines elements of pole dance, contemporary dance, physical theatre, and working with text.
• unpick and affirm how autobiographical objects can be reframed to empower the performer.

My consistent questioning has allowed me to generate a body of work that is topical, powerful, empowering, unique and, at times, very uncomfortable.

These works have been publicised at Physical Fest, International Arts Festival, Emergency, Resolutions at The Place, Innovations Platform, Secret Circus, Threshold Festival, Cirqadia, and Leap Festival. I have also been a recipient of numerous funding awards, such as Physical Fest Bursary and Metal Culture UK’s Remote Residency. My current project, Barely Visible (2022), is supported by Arts Council England and Unity Theatre’s Open Call.

In addition to making and performing my own work, I love collaborating with other artists and have worked with celebrated directors and choreographers, including Elinor Randle, Jenny Rees, Dawn Schultz, Jo Fong, Alexandra Pirici, Manuel Pelmus, and Pauline Brooks. I have also worked with digital expert Noel Jones on numerous digital performance projects.

Alongside performance work, I am a lecturer in dance at Edge Hill University where my research and teaching focus lies in autoethnography, autobiographical research, Practice-Led Research, and Practice Based Research. In terms of practical teaching, I also have 8 years’ experience of developing and delivering workshops in an array of dance styles, visiting various studios, Universities/Colleges across the UK, both online and in person.

I would love to hear from you if you would like more information regarding my performance work, creative workshops for your students, public speaking, or any other research related projects.