February 10, 2004
By Lucille Davie
THE country's biggest dance festival is about to get residents of Jozi tapping and clapping to the rhythm and beat of some very talented people.
The 16th FNB Dance Umbrella 2004 takes place from 21 February to 20 March at four venues around town: The Wits Theatre in Braamfontein, The Dance Factory in Newtown, the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park and the Momo Art Gallery in Parktown North.
It features 20 programmes of work, largely focusing on traditional and contemporary African dance, with a mix of Afro Fusion and European contemporary dance, which has recently taken off in South Africa.
Screen Factor 8 by Sue Pam Grant.
There'll be an international contribution, with dancers and choreographers from Switzerland, the DRC, Israel and Senegal.
But the major focus is on local talent and its development - a stipulation of FNB's R950 000 sponsorship. Another major sponsor is the National Arts Council with a R250 000 contribution. Other sponsors include Business Arts South Africa, the French Institute, the British Council, the Pro-Helvetia Swiss Arts Council, the Gauteng Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and the Johannesburg Development Association.
An exciting addition to last year's programme was the Young Choreographers Residency. It continues this year and aims to give young, semi-professional and emerging choreographers an opportunity to network with each other, to attend workshops, master classes and discussions over a 10-12 day period.
"This gives them amazing exposure and allows them to develop their talent," says Georgina Thomson, artistic director of the festival.
The residency runs from 3-12 March at the Dance Factory. Several of the master classes will be given by visiting artists: Gilles Jobin from Switzerland and Faustin Linyekula from the DRC.
A programme to encourage new work from youth and community groups continues this year, entitled the Stepping Stones Programme. There're three free programmes at the Wits Theatre, on 21, 22, and 28 February.
In celebration of South Africa's 10 years of democracy, seasoned choreographer Robyn Orlin will present her internationally renowned Aids piece you must eat your suckers with the wrappers on . . .. It takes place at Uncle Tom's Hall in Orlando West on Sunday, 14 March.
Tickets for the festival range from R25 to R50, available at the door or through Computicket. Contact the FNB Dance Umbrella on 011 482 4140, or visit www.artslink.co.za/arts for the full programme.
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