Leo Naomi Baur (they/them) is part of the stratgic project managemente of Making a Difference since July 2024. They work in Berlin as a choreographer and video artist. They identify as trans* non-binary and chronically ill. Initially without formal training, Leo has been realising mostly collaborative productions since 2017. In the meantime, they completed the M.A. Performing Public Space at FONTYS (Tilburg, NL) and the maChoreography at HZT Berlin. They are co-founder of the performance collective DIE KOMPANIE (2017-2021) and the network for dance and activism Urgent Bodies (since 2020). Leo explores choreographic video scenographies in the absence of live dance in the field of Aesthetics of Access.
What do you associate with Making a Difference?
“Hope. Unfortunately, that’s such a ridiculed word in dance, in art, in general. But I really do associate hope with Making a Difference: that structures will develop in which it is possible to work as a disabled, Deaf and/or chronically ill choreographer. Making a Difference gives hope because the project has managed to make it visible in recent years that disabled, Deaf and chronically ill choreographers already exist and that they make wonderful work when the conditions make it possible.”
What is your vision for Making a Difference?
“The work of Making a Difference has already achieved a lot. It must continue and be consolidated. My vision is that the radiance of MAD reaches into all areas of dance production and, for example, that touring, guest performances and festivals for disabled, deaf and chronically ill artists become accessible. That not only their choreographies and aesthetics become visible, but also their methods, their strategies and the teams around them. There is still so much to achieve.”