FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY “PARK DANCES #2”

(Above: Manesh Maharaj with Sifiso Khumalo of Flatfoot Dance Company. Pic by Val Adamson)

Flatfoot Dance Company, in association with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust, will present Park Dances #2 with special guest Manesh Maharaj in the winter wonderland lush surroundings of Durban’s iconic Botanic Gardens from June 11 to 13 and again from June 18 to 20.

Following a highly enjoyable and sold-out season in the Botanic Gardens earlier this year, Flatfoot’s production allows audiences to safely watch this unique dance company in an outdoor sundowner dance experience.

After the Park Dances#1 saw local audiences loving being back in a “theatre” environment, Park Dances #2 sees Flatfoot collaborate with Durban’s Kathak maestro Manesh Maharaj in a dancing encounter with the haunting poetry of Jalaluddin Rumi, as they celebrate the seamless confluence of ancient and contemporary African and Indian rhythms.

(Left: Flatfoot Dance Company: L to R: Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba, Ndumiso Dube and Mtoko Mkhwanazi in the first “Park Dances” at the Botanic Gardens earlier this year. Pic by Val Adamson)

The hour-long explosion of dance has been collaboratively created by the full company: Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Lliane Loots, Zinhle Nzama, Mthoko Mkhwanazi, Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba, Ndumiso Dube, and special guest Manesh Maharaj.

“We are beyond delighted to continue with our Park Dances in collaboration with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust and to have this opportunity to once again share this incredibly beautiful living space with audiences,” says Artistic Director Lliane Loots. “#2 is going to be a delight of the senses as we collaborate with the incredible Manesh Maharaj and his own virtuosity as one of South Africa’s most skilled Kathak dancers”.

(Right: Flatfoot Dance Company: L to R: Ndumiso Dube lifting Siseko Duba and Mtoko Mkhwanazi lifting Sbonga Ndlovu in the first “Park Dances” at the Botanic Gardens earlier this year. Pic by Val Adamson)

Performances take place at 16h30 from June 11 to 13 and again from 18 to 20, 2021.

This is a family-friendly performance and audiences may bring picnics and blankets to sit on. Entrance opens at 16h00 for patrons to settle in, enjoy a picnic or a stroll around the gardens before the show begins at 16h30.

There is ample safe parking at the main Botanic Gardens Visitors Complex entrance.

All COVID-19 safety protocols are in place, and masks must be worn.

There is a maximum audience of 100 per show with demarcated areas to sit. Tickets R100 must be booked and paid for in advance – there are no door sales.

To book, contact Clare on flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com