“What does it mean to do something meaningful with your life? Dance is about uniting emotions and the body, finding freedom and emotional expression, while the technique requires physical control. It gives me meaning. I don’t dance just because I can. I choose to dance.
Dance is never about me. Nor about perfect steps or movements. The steps can be learned by anyone. To embody, to embody ... it is to honor the work. I don’t have to be on stage to be a dancer. On stage I have a duty to complete and show the work, but freedom is harder to achieve, and I am almost always nervous. Still, sharing with the audience is important. Perhaps especially because dance is so ephemeral. Afterwards, the work lives on in my body, that of my colleagues, and that of the audience.
Of course I doubt. Dance is a fragile art form. Abstract. It always happens in relation to others, even a solo. Creation in the studio is essential and my freest place. That’s where the ineffable arises – how we dancers connect to each other. It is so valuable and beautiful.
Every new piece, every new choreographer requires me to let go of what I know, to be wide open. The experience and tools are there, but learning never ends – to forget everything and start over.
This company has strong emotional intelligence. A sensitivity, care, creativity and a culture where artistic work is cherished. I am grateful for that every day.
Dance can change. It has changed me. Not into a better person, but into a more attentive person. I believe that we all need to get closer to our bodies. And closer to each other.”
Miguel Duarte was born and educated in Portugal and has been a member of the GöteborgsOperans Danskompani since 2021. During his career, he has worked with some of the world's most respected choreographers and in world-leading companies such as NDT and Hofesh Shechter Company.
