Body Moves 2023: Countries to unite in Benoni for a dance festival
Body Moves steps up the beat, accentuating cultural exchanges and collaborations.
From the whirlwind success of last year’s debut, the Body Moves International Inclusive Dance Festival returns this year for the second edition.
This unique festival, championing both able-bodied and disabled dancers, will come to life at the Sibikwa Arts Centre from November 20 to 26.
Set against the backdrop of Disability Awareness Month, the festival promises an unparalleled array of workshops by esteemed international and local facilitators, live-streamed discussions, and breathtaking afternoon performances on November 25 and 26 from 14:30.
With participating companies from Kenya and Madagascar to Ireland, Flanders and various regions of South Africa, the festival embodies the spirit of diversity and unity.
The workshops will feature talented deaf dancer Andile Vellem of Unmute; Ondiege Mathew’s exploration of choreography through improvisation; Fanny Vandesande’s deep dive into the lived experiences of people with disabilities, at a satellite workshop at Moving Into Dance in Newtown, and more.
Performances will feature works such as Chosen, highlighting the plight of a village through the eyes of a visually impaired dancer; to TWOTFAM, a thought-provoking piece that brings to the forefront the overlooked challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
A live-streamed discussion will be hosted in partnership with ADDN, at Sibikwa and on the Sibikwa Arts Centre Facebook page at 18:00 on November 23.
The session promises engaging conversations inspired by the impactful short films made by panellists Nadine McKenzie (South Africa), Adriaan Luteijn (Netherlands) and Joseph Tebandeke (Uganda).
The general representation of the Government of Flanders, Embassy of Ireland, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, and Federation of Gauteng Community Arts support the festival.
The festival celebrates local and international talent, a nod to cultural vibrancy, and a testament to the belief that arts and dance know no bounds.
Moving away from the hustle of town, yet not too far from the comforts of home, Sibikwa offers a perfect place for audiences. For a detailed line-up of the events, visit sibikwa.co.za/BodyMoves2023.
Tickets for the performances on November 25 and 26 are available on Quicket link https://qkt.io/BODYMOVES23 at R120 per person.
Special group rates apply at R100 for groups of 10 or more. On-the-day tickets will be available at the door for R140.
For those travelling from Johannesburg, a shuttle will be available from Rosebank Mall. The price for this ticket (including shuttle and entry) is R250.
For more information, email caryn@sibikwa.co.za.
About Body Moves:
A pioneer in its field, Body Moves Inclusive International Dance Festival seeks to disrupt societal norms, championing inclusive dance and fostering collaboration across borders. It stands as a symbol of hope, understanding, and the transformative power of the arts.
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