February 3, 2006
By Tammy O'Reilly
WHEN the idea for the Dance Umbrella was conceived, the only thing the founders were armed with was unrelenting passion and a clear vision.
Even the total absence of funding didn't hamper their plans to provide a springboard for contemporary dancers and choreographers.
And today Dance Umbrella has become the country's leading dance festival.
Photo: FNB Dance Umbrella 2006
The FNB Dance Umbrella is 18 years old this year, and in keeping with the festival's vision, there'll be a mixed bag of works representative of the diversity and creativity of contemporary dance in South Africa.
It takes place from 18 February to 18 March, at five city venues. Because the programme has been designed to make sure that no performances run concurrently, audiences can attend every single show.
The venues are the Wits Theatre Complex, the Dance Factory, University of Johannesburg's Arts Centre, Sandton Square and the Market Theatre.
Opening night at the Dance Factory promises to be a cracker; the programme includes not only performances, but also a commissioned film choreographed and directed by Jeanettte Ginslov called Breaking the Surface. It's a short video dance that explores the notion of being free and being a woman through the use of music, dance, poetry and animation.
The main commissioned works for the festival are I Dance What I Like by Funeka Ramorula and Although I Live Inside … My Hair will always Reach Towards the Sun… by Robyn Orlin and Sophiatou Kossoko.
On Friday, 3 March the Gala Evening at the Johannesburg University Arts Centre in Auckland Park celebrates the festival's 18 years. Featured on the night is a selection of the most popular performances from previous years, like Brother, Brother by Boyzie Cekwana, which premiered in 1996.
Other highlights for FNB Dance Umbrella 2006 are the Gauteng MEC Awards for Contemporary Choreography and Dance 2005, which will be presented on Saturday, 18 March before the final performance.
It includes a Young Choreographers Residency Programme that gives 15 young, up-and-coming South African choreographers the chance to participate in workshops on how to advance as choreographers.
Today the festival has a host of sponsors, including First National Bank, the Johannesburg Development Agency and the Gauteng department of sport recreation, arts and culture.
Ticket prices range from R40 to R60 and can be bought at the venues' doors, or at Computicket outlets. There is a 20 percent discount for bookings for three or more shows and a 30 percent discount for block bookings of 10 or more.
For further information phone Artslink on 011 482 4140 or log on to the Artslink website.
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