Friction and tension at work. On practices of leadership in contemporary dance

This article examines the dynamics of friction and tension in contemporary dance, focusing on the precarious working conditions within the Flemish dance sector. Recent studies have highlighted how such conditions often foster unspoken tensions and perpetuate a culture of silencing. In particular, high-profile cases in the Flemish arts have demonstrated how asymmetrical power relationships in dance environments can disproportionately burden one party, while others remain unaffected by these tensions. Building on previous research by scholars like Andr & eacute; Lepecki and Rudi Laermans, this study contributes to the articulation of friction in both its physical and social dimensions, particularly in relation to choreographic leadership. Drawing from a case study of Tuur Marinus's 2022 production *TH LNG GDBY* and his follow-up artistic research supervised by Annelies Van Assche, the research explores how friction and tension manifest within both educational settings and professional collaborations. This article argues that acknowledging and addressing these tensions is crucial for fostering healthier, more sustainable leadership practices in dance. By making these often implicit dynamics explicit, the authors aim to encourage a shift towards a leadership culture that sees friction not as an obstacle, but as a potentially creative force within the dance world.