Connecting through dance

Dance Encounter is a special one-off public performance work that showcases the creative collaboration between dancers from The José Limon Dance Company (USA) and Durban University of Technology Performing Arts Students working across continents and history, which will take place on Tuesday May 31 at 7pm at the Courtyard Theatre at DUT.

DanceMotion USA is a programme of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, produced by BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) to facilitate cultural exchange while showcasing the best in contemporary American dance abroad.

DanceMotion USA sends American dance companies overseas to connect with audiences and communities through dance workshops, lecture demonstrations, public performances, and other arts education activities.

The José Limon Dance Company is presently undertaking  a three-country tour of Africa visiting Zambia; Madagascar and South Africa – the only city they are visiting in SA is Durban.

The dance company will be in Durban from May 24 until June 1, bringing eight dancers, the Artistic Director, Executive Director and the Technical Director.

They will be working with the city’s contemporary dance companies and students of dance from Durban University of Technology Performing Arts Students; Playhouse Dance Residency; KCap in KwaMashu; Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre and Flatfoot – working with the local dancers and facilitating a session with Sukuma Primary School in uMlazi.

Acknowledging the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and building on DanceMotion USA’s tradition of engaging with disabled groups, this year’s programme will further emphasise outreach to people with disabilities and promote disability awareness abroad.

An important part of the programme will be doing a presentation with the Durban coastal mental health. They will also be working with street children in the iCare programme.

The collaboration will culminate in a short performance programme of individual pieces and a joint piece that navigates a wonderful moment of dancers finding common dancing ground. There will be one public performance in The Courtyard Theatre, Durban University of Technology, Steve Biko Road on Tuesday, May 31 at 7pm.

Entry is free and all are welcome. However, as tickets are limited, to reserve your seat, you must confirm with the Departmental Secretary, Lebohang Sibisi on 031-373 2194  or email lebohangs@dut.ac.za.

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