[Performances of the Popular]
PoP [Performances of the Popular] Moves is an international research network focusing on popular dance and performance.
What is “popular dance”?
Popular dance—spanning social, vernacular, and screen-based forms such as hip hop, salsa, and Bollywood— drives participation across diverse communities, shapes contemporary identities, and fuels creative innovation across stage, film, digital media, and education. Yet despite its cultural indispensability, popular dance remains structurally and financially unsupported, and disproportionately excluded from research and development infrastructures.
About Us
PoP Moves began in 2007 as ‘Popular Music and Dance Matters’ at the University of Surrey, and in 2010 transformed into PoP Moves, connecting popular dance scholars across the UK. In 2015, PoP Moves expanded to become an international network with nodes in the UK and North America. In 2018, PoP Moves launched a new Francophone node at our first conference outside the UK, at Université Paris Nanterre. Today, PoP Moves also has an Australasian node. We aspire to support all popular dance researchers, regardless of location and career level, by fostering a sustainable, inclusive, global network of practitioners, scholars, and community members. We focus on relationship-building, collective care, and service that is meaningful rather than burdensome.
Our Vision Statement
To advocate for popular dance as a force for connection, cultural exchange, and social transformation.
Our Mission Statement
PoP Moves amplifies the cultural and social significance of popular dance and dancers by fostering connections across communities, researchers, and movement practitioners. Through grassroots networks and inclusive initiatives, we create spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and transformative action. We challenge exclusionary systems to promote equity, accessibility, and sustainability while honoring the diverse legacies and future possibilities of popular dance.
Events
We have released a Call for papers to publish in a special issue of The Journal of Popular Culture guest edited by PoP MOVES!
International Network
Our committee now extends its international reach to boast nodes in the UK, Americas, Australia and a Francophonie node.
Find out more.
