This research explores the possibilities which can emerge from a potential relationship between dance and sustainability. The purpose of this research has been to investigate what discussions around the subject of sustainability are already happening within theoretical circles, dance institutions and what practical avenues are being explored for furthering efforts toward sustainability in the latter. To give practical context to this, the Malmö-based contemporary dance company of Skånes Dansteater is explored as a case study; with reference to the company’s operations and performative works, as well as a significant exploration, in the specific context of cultural sustainability, of the archival project Bevara Rörelse, created and developed by resident archivist Celine Orman. 

The results reveal that there is indeed a fluid and vibrant discourse around the subject of sustainability occurring, to varying degrees, within dance institutions, throughout the industry. Furthermore, the case study of Skånes Dansteater reveals how sustainability does not originate solely from institutionalised policy-making. Instead, the results found that sustainability manifests itself in multiple ways and that cultural practitioners – be they artists, archivists, dancers and so on – can respond to issues of sustainability via their respective practices. These practices can be seen as methods of engaging with sustainability; even without definitive intention on the part of the practitioner. 

It is hoped that this research will offer some insight(s) into what this could mean for future dance practice, with the instrumental power it possesses, in communicating sustainability and for other means of creative practice – engaging with dance or otherwise – that engage with cultural sustainability. The hope is that such engagements can be valued, with their respective contributions, on the same scale as that of social and natural scientific engagements.