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.
