IT’S dance festival time again as the seventh annual Durban Dance Movement returns to Durban audiences on 26 and 27 July at the Playhouse Drama Theatre.
With the arts funding cuts from the government and lack of support, many arts organisations and companies have ceased operations but the Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation (WACO) is still hanging on a thread to host the Durban Dance Movement Festival to continue showcasing the choreographic works of its artists and dancers.
“On the creative programme, this season will showcase hip hop, African contemporary, jazz, ballet, Bollywood, break dancing, krump, ngom and many other dance styles that celebrate the essence of our diverse cultures in Durban. These vibrant and colourful performances will be performed by over 350 dancers from studios, crews, youth groups, outreach projects and dance companies based in KZN.
READ: Help keep dance school doors open
“Audiences are in for a treat at the opening night of the professional performances which showcases two residences entitled ‘Unity in Diversity’ choreographed by Durban based contemporary choreographer Vusi Makanya and Cape Town based Hip Hop choreographer Jason Sisam,” explained WACO dance director, Jarryd Watson.
‘Unity in Diversity’ is a dance production that narrates a story through contemporary and hip hop movement about the spirit of Ubuntu. Written and directed by Jarryd, his vision for this dance production will entertain audiences about relative social matters that speak to us daily.
“When the idea of ‘unity in diversity’ came to mind I wanted to produce a dance production with a narrative that our audiences will identify with especially within our South African context. And for me what best way to showcase this is through the dance genres of contemporary and hip hop that defines my artistry. Working with Vusi Makanya who choreographed the contemporary production and Jason Sisam who choreographed the hip hop production of the piece, was absolutely innovative and creative and I cannot wait for this production to hit our Durban shores,” he said.
The dancers performing in Unity in Diversity were selected from an audition process where 40 dancers auditioned and 12 were selected to be a part of the residencies. Making the cut of the audition and featuring the ensemble are Wentworth dancers, Sherwin Green and Martinique Palmer
To watch Unity in Diversity, which promises to be an invigorating production, audiences can catch it on the opening Friday night, 26 July at 7pm, and the other performances, at the Playhouse on Saturday, 27 July from 2pm to 7pm. Tickets are available through web tickets or at any Pick n Pay outlet. For further information and for bookings on the opening night contact Jarryd on 082-683-9665. All proceeds go towards saving the Dance Movement project.
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