What is intimacy choreography?

Illustration by Toronto-based artist Hanna Barczyk

Intimacy choreography is the practise undertaken by intimacy directors (who work in stage), coordinators (who work in film & tv), or coaches (who work in either) to create consent-based and trauma-informed working environments for performing artists to create their best, bravest work. Intimacy choreographers work with stage teams and crews to maintain the best practices as set out by ACTRA and SAG-AFTRA when working on sexual content or vulnerable material.

My final thesis proposal at York University looks at the power dynamics of dance spaces and how we can disrupt these power dynamics through intimacy education. One possible research outcome is the creation of A Dancer’s Handbook of Consent. My presentation describing IC for dance spaces is here, which I will aim to record with my spoken parts to fill in the gaps at some point this fall:

As my own specialized work for Practising Safer Sets is still in development, here is footage from a workshop hosted by a pioneer of the industry Siobhan Richardson at York University where you can acquire some immediate tools to introduce in your own performance spaces:

Intimacy choreography is but one of the techniques or skills used by professional intimacy coordinators for film & television. An intimacy coordinator is for intimate scenes on set what a stunt coordinator is for scenes of violence. They are there to keep the performers boundaries safe and using skillful craft in “modesty” gear, padding and the like. Just think, an extra squeeze has the potential to be just as alarming or even triggering for a performer who has experienced sexual trauma, and can be just as harmful as an extra punch in a fight sequence. Here is a short video from the CBC describing the role of an intimacy coordinator and the growing need for the role post Tarana Burke’s Me Too movement:

If you feel that your film, television, or stage production could use an IC, please reach out to me for a phone consultation. If not me, I’m likely able to advise on a professional who best suits the needs of your particular project. Also happy to consult on de-loading language, choreographing and documenting sequences, and establishing boundary practises on set.