Siwela Sonke recently invited the public to its home where
the company have trained for 10 years for an afternoon of exclusive dance
theatre at the Siwela Sonke Dance Studio in Albany Grove, Durban Central.
2013 marks the 16th year of Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre’s
existence. As a non-profit organisation, Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre has managed
to maintain an active presence in the South African Dance community for the
past 10 years.
Initiated by The Playhouse Company in Durban in 1994,
Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre (SSDT) is a professional dance theatre company that
emerged from a training and development programme for black dancers with no
access to training opportunities. Under the direction of Artistic Director, Jay
Pather, the Company has since toured internationally with performances in the
Netherlands, Denmark, India and more. Locally, the company has performed in
festivals such as Infecting the City in Cape Town, Danse L’Afrique Danse and Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg. The company also conducts community
outreach projects teaching learners in the townships and rural areas of
KwaZulu-Natal.
The studio showcase programme consisted of five new short
dance works choreographed and conceptualised by the members of the professional
Company and trainees. SSDT also took this opportunity to showcase works devised
with the development programme featuring learners from Umlazi, Kwamachu,
Chesterville, Lindelani and Christiansburg School. In addition there will also
be a performance by members of the senior citizens dance class, a new
initiative at SSDT.
Works included on the programme were:
1. Howcome? – Choreographed by Ntombi Gasa
2. Uthando Lwamanga – Choreographed by Siyabonga Mhlongo
3. Same Difference – Choreographed by Mxolisi Nkomonde
4. The Compliment of Temptation – Choreographed by Sandile Mkhize
5. Mama Waka – Choreographed by Neliswa Rushualang
6. SSDT
Trainee Showcase - Performed by Thando Mbanjwa and
Mandisa Ndlovu
7. Development Programme Performance
Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre Studio is
situated at 103 Salbany, 50 Albany Grove, Durban. More information on 031 307
6685 or email: jossiedominique@gmail.com
Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre is sponsored
by the National Arts Council of South Africa.
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