In late July 2026, artist Tamayo Okano realised that this research might keep her occupied for years to come—perhaps even for the rest of her life. The seed for it had already been planted in her previous performance, Care. Surrounded by ageing family and friends—some of whom have since passed away—and dancing in a body that is itself growing older, she feels this is a theme she cannot ignore.

Tamayo believes that our rejection of ageing is deeply rooted within us, just like our fear of death. As we grow older, our bodies change. Her sight and hearing have deteriorated, she gets out of breath more quickly and she has to manage her energy more carefully in order to keep working. Grey hair is a simple example of this. It does not cause problems in itself, but it reminds us that we are getting older and that our time is finite.

Precisely because we try to live so cautiously and avoid illness or an unexpected death, she argues that a need sometimes arises to say: “I don't care.” A desire to feel that life is not entirely controlled by the fear of death. Gradually, Tamayo realised that precisely therein lies her research. Not in a denial of ageing, but in an affirmation of life. She wants to search for a way to embrace ageing and thus make space for greater freedom. She hopes herself to grow older without fear and, no matter how small her contribution, to contribute to a society in which that becomes increasingly possible.

Within traditional Japanese dance, you are not recognised as a master until after your sixtieth year. Until then, you continue to practise and deepen your art. For her, after years in Western contemporary dance, that was a revelation. Where the young, supple body is often the norm, getting older is quickly seen as a loss. Driven by that contrast, Tamayo began delving into traditional Japanese dance, searching for a new perspective on ageing and dance.

Recently she became a member of Leon, an intergenerational and inclusive dance workshop. From September, she will also start a long-term artistic residency in a residential care home, where she will further develop this research from both her artistic practice and daily encounters with people who are growing older.

During the Open Studio at the beginning of December, Tamayo Okano wants to share the discoveries, questions and insights from this research. She invites the public to reflect together on ageing, dance and the possibility of living more freely.