Deadline for applications:
October 17, 2014
(The following article
is made available in arrangement with the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) and
the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO). See ACT’s
website http://www.act.org.za/)
After three years as part of the Arts Alive International
Festival, Dance Umbrella 2015 will be back in its traditional annual calendar
slot next year.
The Dance Umbrella Festival had its beginnings in 1989 when
two journalists, Marilyn Jenklns and Adrienne Sichel, both with a passionate
interest in contemporary choreography and dance, approached the major
business-arts partnership at the time, Vita Promotions, requesting that they
initiate a contemporary dance festival in South Africa; under the aegis of AA
Life, Vita Promotions, under the directorship of Philip Stein, launched the
Vita Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg. Today the Festival, under the artistic
directorship of Georgina Thomson, features new works from South African and/or
African choreographers, international artists and young emerging artists and is
acknowledged as the premier contemporary dance festival in Africa.
Dance Umbrella 2015, funded by the National Lottery Distribution
Trust Fund, will run from February 28 to March 14 at the Dance Factory, the
Market Theatre, the Soweto Theatre and the MOAD Gallery in the Maboneng
Precinct.
The format of the Umbrella has been artistically
re-structured to open the spaces and opportunities for dance creators who are
interested in working within a contemporary context, with a focus on the
following:
The main Dance Umbrella programme, which will feature
commissioned work from South African choreographers, invited international
works and selected works from the applications received (with a strong interest
being shown for collaborative works between local and international artists); A
Young Choreographers programme, which will focus on young choreographers who
are interested creating challenging work and are working within training
institutions and/or companies;
A new programme – Street Beat Dance, which will be open to
Hip Hop, Pantsula and Youth group entries for work that can run up to 15
minutes; and a series of workshops which will be held in selected regions in Gauteng
from which 12 works will be selected to make up the Street Dance Programme.
This fun upbeat programme is presented in partnership with Oupoks Projects and
Services; and the Negotiating Space programme, which will be run in partnership
with the Sibikwa Arts Centre and will be presented at the MOAD Gallery,
Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg.
Solo installation works (which must not exceed 15 minutes)
that include multi-media will be presented in specific spaces at the Gallery.
It is suggested that choreographers who wish to be part of this programme
should visit the MOAD Gallery, 281 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg to see
what the space offers, before sending in their applications.
All production costs including theatre rentals, technical
back-up, publicity and marketing of the event will be covered by Dance
Umbrella. There is also a budget to assist companies from other areas in South
Africa if their work is selected.
The closing date for applications for Dance Umbrella 2015 is
October 17, 2014.
For further information call Lindiwe or Georgina 011 492
2033 or visit www.facebook.com/Dance.Umbrella.Festival.Johannesburg
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