October 21, 2003
By Tammy O'Reilly
DRAMATIC dance works by young upcoming South African choreographers are to be showcased at the Dance Factory in Newtown from 24 October as part of the 25th anniversary of Moving Into Dance Mophatong.
The internationally renowned dance company will present two programmes. The first - "Young Choreographers at the Dance Factory" - will be on at 7.30pm on 24 October and 25 October. The second programme will be presented on 26 October at 2.30pm.
In "Young Choreographers at the Dance Factory" some new works by novice choreographers will be danced alongside favourite dance works, including "Layers of Time" and "Ek sê … Hola!" by company stalwart Gregory Vuyani Maqoma.
Maqoma began his formal training with MIDM and is now its associate artistic director. He is also the founder of the Vuyani Dance Theatre Project.
In "Layers of Time" the Wellington boot is used as a symbol of better things to come, while in "Ek sê … Hola!" the dance work rejoices in the youth of today, using contemporary dance and kwaito music.
The young choreographers' programme also highlights the work of David Thatanelo April, Constance Kau, Thoko Seganye and Muzi Shili.
In an unusual approach, April's "Emerveillement II" incorporates Afro-fusion, usually an integration of Western and African expression, culture and rituals, with Eastern dance. Managing director of MIDM, Susan Graeme, describes the piece as "an interesting extension of a work April performed while still a student".
In her solo, "Cos Im a Woman", Kau expresses the importance for the working mother to take time to be herself.
Novice choreographer Seganye has created "Moving Figure" about growing into womanhood, with vocal accompaniment by Dimakatso Motaboge and Lebohang Mosheshe from the Market Theatre Lab.
The second programme involves a collaboration between MIDI dancers and choreographers, the Soweto Dance Theatre and CIDA City College.
"From ballroom to traditional dance and music, from choirs to contemporary African Dance, programme two is a cultural cross-section of young performers," according to a statement from MIDM.
Founded by Sylvia Glasser in 1978, MIDM was formed during the height of apartheid as a non-racial dance group. The company is renowned for its Afro-fusion dancing, an integration of African expression, culture and rituals.
Celebrations are planned until the end of the year, Graeme says.
Tickets for the shows are available at R30 at the door. Students, MIDM members with cards, and block bookings of 10 or more pay R20 a ticket. Children under 16 pay R10.
For more information on MIDM's 25th anniversary celebrations, call (011) 838 2816 or log on to www.midance.co.za.
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