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Dancers from Moving into Dance Mophoteng. Picture: Oscar O’Ryan

The Baxter Dance Festival returns from 4 to 13 October, 2018 and choreographers, independent dance-makers, dance studios, schools, companies and groups, are once again invited to apply to be part of the programme. Applications close at 5pm on Monday 30 April, so performers are urged to get their applications in as early as possible.

Main, Off-Main, Fringe

The 2018 Baxter Dance Festival consists of the Main Programme which will include invited and commissioned works, as well as work by established professional choreographers and companies and runs for the entire festival. The Off-Main Programme on Saturday, 6 October will showcase the work by up-and-coming choreographers (includes student work), and the Fringe Programme on Saturday, 13 October includes work by youth groups, dance schools, school groups, traditional dance groups and others.

The festival is the premier dance event of its kind in the Western Cape and is a must-see platform for studios, companies, choreographers and dance-enthusiasts. The Baxter Dance Festival aims to create opportunities for emerging and established dance companies and choreographers to present their work, while promoting diverse dance talent in the province.

Muzi Shili and Oscar Buthelezi. Picture: Oscar O'Rya
Muzi Shili and Oscar Buthelezi. Picture: Oscar O’Ryan

A comprehensive production package

The Baxter provides a comprehensive production package to participants – including lighting, sound, tech assistance, publicity, box office facilities, printed programmes and pre-show rehearsal arrangements, making it an efficient experience for contributing dance groups and companies.

Previous choreographers of commissioned work are Ebrahim Medell (2005), Marlin Zoutman (2006), collaborators Yarisha Singh and Celeste Botha (2007), Levern Botha (2008), Mamela Nyamza (2009), Carolyn Holden from La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre (2010), Grant van Ster (2011), Ananda Fuchs (2012), Steven van Wyk and Thalia Laric in 2014, Louise Coetzer of Darkroom Contemporary in 2016 and Themba Mbuli in 2017. These choreographers have continued to make their mark in the world of dance, both locally and abroad with both Themba Mbuli and Darkroom Contemporary having been to the 30th Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg this year.

Since its inception in 2004, well over 500 local choreographers have showcased their work at the festival, featuring close to 5000 dancers from more than 400 studios, dance schools, projects and professional companies from across the Western Cape, presenting an array of dance styles and genres including contemporary, classical, African, modern and Spanish.

Application forms: http://www.baxter.co.za/shows/baxter-dance-festival-2018-applications/ , www.facebook.com/baxtertheatre. Only electronic applications accepted. Applications must be received by 5pm on Monday 30 April 2018.

What: Baxter Dance Festival 2018
When: 4 – 13 October 2018
Info: Nicolette Moses, Artistic Director, 021 680 3964, baxterdancefestival@uct.ac.za
Baxter Theatre:  www.baxter.co.za, Facebook.com/BaxterTheatre, twitter.com/BaxterTheatre
WS