We look up to idols, idolize them, and imitate them. An idol is a person or role model that we consensually follow. 

Idol. Who do we think of when we hear this word? Based on what normative ideas do we choose them? Instead of thinking inclusively, why do we tend to follow exclusive idols, who are actually alien to us?
Idol is a joint production of ArtMenők and HODWORKS that creates a space where performers who are physically able-bodied and those with disabilities can take the stage together and create a world that they would like to experience in their everyday personal lives. The members of the two companies highlight that contemporary performing arts may be the most suitable starting point for the long-awaited, profound social change. It is high time to rethink and rewrite the often strict rules of Hungarian contemporary dance.

Choreographer Adrienn Hód has been working with ArtMenők since 2022, in the form of an in-depth rehearsal and research process. The focus of their collaboration has been to enable young people with various disabilities and atypical bodies to explore unfamiliar terrain accompanied by HODWORKS dancers in a safe environment where they can express themselves through their own decisions. During the creative work, participants worked on intensive attention control, conscious body use and coordinated work with space, and the resulting performance is adapted to the performers’ skills, contrary to normative expectations, so that they can present themselves in an inclusive space, within a flexible framework.

ArtMenők is the youth programme of the ArtMan Association. Its aim is to bring together young people with different abilities on an equal footing. In 2022 they started working with the contemporary dance company HODWORKS, led by Adrienn Hód since 2007.