DURBAN DANCE AWARDS 2012

Against the backdrop of South Africa’s arts funding crisis, KZN DanceLink is celebrating the creativity, dedication and tenacity of the local dance community with its Durban Dance Awards 2012.

Having last honoured the achievements of its stars in 2009, this year’s Durban Dance Awards will be a poignant salute to the people who have struggled against all odds to keep dancing.

Presented by KZN DanceLink, with support from The National Lotteries Board, the awards take place on May 22 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on the first night of the annual youth dance performance, Imbumba.

“Imbumba is a festival of KZN DanceLink’s vibrant younger members – and therefore a perfect platform from which to honour those seasoned performers and supporters who have done so much to promote and advance dance in Durban,” said KZN DanceLink Chairman Lynn Maree.

Awards will be given for choreography and dance, as well as for loyal technical and “behind the scenes” contributions to dance in the city.

“With over two and a half years to consider, the judges had a difficult time, but their decisions were made on commitment and conviction and, of course, exceptional talent,” added Maree. “We are incredibly proud of the standard of work that the Durban dance community has achieved in the last few years and of its contribution to nurturing young talent.”

Nominees for Choreographer are: David Gouldie (Blood Lines), Sifiso Kweyama (Earthlines); Musa Hlatshwayo (Ndlovukazi and Dayimane); Liz Lea (a free mind); Lliane Loots (Bhakti, Skin, Bloodlines); Vusi Makanya and Sifiso Majola (Body of Knowledge), and Mdu Mtshali (A Bird Without a Song).

Nominees for Dancer are Sifiso Khumalo (a free mind); Lerato Lipere (a free mind and Mapping Nostalgia); Vusi Makanya (a range of dance works), and Thobeka Quvane (Skin).

Nominees for Breakthrough/Newcomer Dancer are Bonwa Mbontsi, Leagan Peffer and Julia Wilson.

Awards will also be given for technical and “behind the scenes” support.

The Durban Dance Awards will be presented after the first performance of Imbumba 2012at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at 19h00 on May 22. There is no charge but there will be a Pay What You Can box in the foyer for patrons who wish to show their appreciation of the work.