Sheila Chisholm
Wonderland is where Introdans Ensemble for Youth will take dance enthusiasts from 5 to 9 September when they tread the boards at The Baxter Theatre.
On this, their fifth visit to Cape Town, artistic director Roel Voorintholt believes the company has a special connection to Capetonians. “We try to share our “stories” with local communities by holding workshops to teach what we have learnt over the years since we started caring about training young dancers.”
Extending physical capabilities
Voorintholt’s philosophy regards “talking down to children is the surest way not to bring out their best. We need to dare them to stretch beyond their basic natural pace. No! I’m not talking about pushing them into injury levels. I’m talking about extending their physical capabilities to maximum. That’s the way talent is maximised and great dancers are made.”
Introdans, based in Arnhem in the Netherlands, was initiated in 1971 by Hans Focking and Ton Wiggers. Their motto “Introdans stands for accessible, non-elitist dance of high quality” remains. However since Voorintholt became artistic director he’s taken the company repertoire from narrative pieces to more abstract contemporary styles. Introdans now boasts works choreographed by choreographers of the ilk of Hans van Manen, Cayetano Soto,
Robert Battle and Wiggers – choreographers who only link their names to dance companies of exceptional standard.
I met Voorintholt earlier this year shortly after he had made a remarkable recovery from a serious stroke. Although rather frail, bright twinkling blue eyes reflected his passion, enthusiasm, energy and excitement about the company’s Cape Town visit.
The Bolshoi stage
He spoke of the honour Introdans had at being the first company to perform on the newly renovated Bolshoi stage; about touring different countries; how we all stem from the same mould. But what makes up differences is whether or not a youngster has the physical and mental dedication and discipline to train as dancer. “In this area Introdans dancers inspires others to aspire to greater levels. Thus Introdans acts as ambassadors for the spirit of dance.”
What: Wonderland
When: 5 to 9 September, 2017
Where: The Baxter Theatre, Rosebank, Cape Town
Book: Computicket 0861 915 8000
WS
