About Stuart
“Waters deserves huge respect for his remarkable commitment to honesty”
The Guardian
Stuart Waters is an exceptional, compelling and fearless dance-maker. His powerful, critically-acclaimed autobiographical work draws on his experience as a neurodivergent, queer man living with mental health access needs.
After a 22 year career as a touring performer he has shifted into being a dance and live art performance maker, holding brave and safe spaces which he curates as well as performs in.
The collaborative nature of his practice is empowering, and underpins his creative process and the participation projects he leads. His activism draws on his lived experiences of marginalisation and seeks to increase opportunities for other marginalised artists’.
Stuart’s learning and participation work inspires, educates and challenges participants, and is influencing and informing artistic directors, companies and conservatoires to develop excellent practice. He advocates for diversity, mental health and emotional safety in the sector through his performance and participation work, alongside delivering training, workshops, public speaking and events.
STUART'S MISSION:
To create dance theatre work that draws on human experience that is relevant and resonant to diverse audiences, using personal detail to create works with global resonance.
To embed therapeutic models and Mental Health safeguarding techniques into practice, advocating inter/nationally for excellent practice in this area.
To challenge ablism and heteronormativity by centring diversity, inclusivity and intersectionality and working collaboratively.
To develop and share an empowering approach that is liberating, and challenges internal and external limitations.
“I have had the pleasure of supporting Stuart over the past three years, and enjoy his inquisitive mind and commitment to enhancing best practice within the dance sector.
His courageous revealing of his own story provides the groundwork for an articulate and determined mission in all aspects of his work. Stuart’s thoughtful and honest approach enables us all to genuinely engage and readdress our modes of practice, inspiring us collectively to build progressive creative spaces that are brave and stimulating. Stuart’s work will undoubtedly lead to long-lasting and positive change in the sector.”
Kerry Nicholls – International Dance Leader and Director of Kerry Nicholls Dance (KND)