Expectation of being affected: an enactive perspective of spectators' expectations of contemporary dance

Purpose This article examines how spectators describe their expectations of contemporary dance by referring to action. Through discussing a qualitative audience study, the argues that always have an expectation being affected performances they attend. can guide interest in attending certain genres instead other possible ones on offer. Additionally, points out actively manage order be affected. Design/methodology/approach The study is based 21 in-depth interviews with at venue, company and festival Finland. analysis combines thematic metaphor analysis. Employing paradigm enaction concept affordances, this approaches as embodied dynamic, created interactions between artists, producers spectators. Findings shows when speaking about performances, use bodily spatial metaphors. Focusing metaphors reveals how, for spectators, afford possibility action affects them. interviewed “not set its ways”, therefore it keeps them “awake” thoughts do fossilize”. way, understand genre affords allowing freedom own interpretation surprising experiences if desire such. Originality/value Concentration language offers deeper understanding active nature spectators' expectations. Understanding enables shaping emotions help development arts marketing engagement.