Known for intercultural and interdisciplinary collaborations, Akram Khan Dance Company is challenging ideas about traditional dance around the world. Rooted in both classical Kathak and modern dance training, the company strives to communicate ideas that are intelligent, courageous and new.

We caught up with co-founder and company producer Farooq Chaudhry for his thoughts on what qualities and abilities you need to become a better producer or artistic director.

Photo: Liang Xunke

Here's what he said you need:



Love/passion

Being a bit of a maverick

Work unbelievably hard

Endurance

Will power

Strength

Grace

Patience

Flexibility

Consistency

Perseverance

Optimism

Curiosity

The need for high achievement

The ability to recognise and admit to mistakes

Enjoy risk

No fear of change

A good listener

A good communicator

A fighter

Charm

Luck

Good taste

Precision

Good instincts

Good judgment

Logical thinking

Lateral thinking

Honesty

Sense of fairness

Integrity

Generosity

Clarity

Humility

Sense of humour

Not to panic in a crisis

Authenticity

Pride

Openness

A good imagination

Knowing that not all decisions will make you popular

To be able to command respect at the moment when you are not popular

Curiosity

A sense of adventure

Fearlessness

Empathy

Be grateful

Avoid ownership





And if you don't have all these then try to find them in your team.