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Asia Dance News
da:ns Festival: 2010 Highlights
Singapore, 1 October 2010: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay presents an exciting and diverse line-up of quality dance programmes, both ticketed and free, for all to enjoy in da:ns festival from 8 to 17 October 2010. Into its fifth year, da:ns festival celebrates all genres of dance to inspire audiences by presenting emerging and established choreographers, and dance companies from around the world.
Audiences will be treated to works by some of the most sought-after names in the dance scene today such as Hofesh Shechter, UK's hottest name in contemporary dance; Edwaard Liang (Taiwan/USA) and Xing Liang (China), tow of Asia's rising choreographers; Gregory Maqoma, one of the leading voices of the new generation of South African artists, and Singapore's very own daniel k, the National Arts Council's Young Artist Award recipient in 2008.
Key Highlights da:ns festival 2010 kicks off on 8 October with Hofesh Shechter Company (UK) in the Esplanade Theatre. An alumnus of the renowned Batsheva Dance Company, Hofesh Shechter is a dancer, choreographer and composer as well. Shechter will bring to audiences, a one-night only performance of , the very works that have blown dance fans and critics away. These works, with choreography influenced by cool hip hop vibes and packed with powerful driving rhythms, will have audiences appreciating contemporary dance in a fresh new way.
Not to be missed is the International Ballet Gala on 9 & 10 October at the Esplanade Theatre, where the line-up of ballet stars from leading dance companies around the world will dazzle audiences with their sublime grace and technical brilliance.
Esplanade collaborates with the Singapore Dance Theatre to present new works by two outstanding Asian choreographers, Edwaard Liang and Xing Liang, in Refractions – A Double Bill: As Above, So Below / Nameless on 16 & 17 October at the Esplanade Theatre Studio.
As part of Esplanade‟s continual effort to support and develop local and Asian artists, da:ns festival will commission and present a new work Hokkaido (Or Somewhere Like That) by this year‟s Artist-in-Residence, daniel k (Singapore). The two-month residency programme will see daniel k working together with another local dancer Ming Poon, lighting designer Fujimoto Takayuki (Japan) and sound artist Chong Li-Chuan (Singapore). With a background in both dance and visual arts, daniel k approaches dance with a fresh perspective. In the piece, hundreds of photographs of the Hokkaido landscape will flicker in a cinematic backdrop for the dance where all the elements – dance, images, video, light and animation – are choreographed to explore the concept of memory and love.
da:ns festival 2010 will also present the Asian premiere of Lluvía (Rain) – a tribute to being alive and the endlessness of life – by Eva Yerbabuena Ballet Flamenco (Spain). This heartfelt piece, which has been lauded by critics for its originality and emotive power, will see the captivating Yerbabuena accompanied by her dancers and acclaimed ensemble of musicians.
Other highlights of the festival include a quirky re-interpretation of the romantic ballet Giselle choreographed by contemporary dance icon Mats Ek and performed by the renowned Lyon Opera Ballet (France), as well as Southern Bound Comfort – The Cherkaoui / Maqoma Double Bill Project performed by Gregory Maqoma (South Africa) and Shanell Winlock (UK) whose extraordinary chemistry as long-time friends and creative collaborators exudes in their dance movements.
For more information, log on to http://www.dansfestival.com/2010/.
Jamu 2010 - Dance Out!
Malaysia, 1 October 2010: JAMU 2010 is an annual choreography performance event that aims to develop and provide further exposure to lecturer-choreographers of ASWARA. For 2010, the National Academy of Arts Culture and Heritage (ASWARA) will present JAMU 2010 – Dance Out! - focusing on site-specific work. The concept of site-specific dance evolved in the 1950s with the advent of post-modernism. This is inspired by various factors including breaking the boundaries between the performers and the audience, issues of cost to reduce production expenses and the desire to build new vocabulary.
Seoul Performing Arts Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Korea, 22 September 2010: Every year, SPAF attracts large audiences and media attention by introducing major international and domestic contemporary performances covering drama, dance and multidisciplinary arts. Marking its tenth year this year, SPAF, founded in 2001, is one of the most prestigious culture and arts brands of Korea.
As one of the best performance arts festivals in Asia, SPAF is aiming to set as an international standard in contemporary performance arts organizer by adopting this year's theme of 'SPAF strikes Sparks.' Above all, SPAF strives to narrow the gap between the stage and the audience and to forge a sense of unity between the audience and performers that will leave everyone with lasting memories. This theme expresses their desire to present stimulating and thought provoking performances of highly-acclaimed works, thereby inspiring a new flame to the field of performing arts. A variety of visions, styles and points of view coupled, with artistic passion and, intensity will be presented.
This year, SPAF will present 28 distinctive performances from eight countries; 10 overseas productions from Russia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Poland, 17 productions from Korea, and 1 Korean-French co-production. These culturally diverse performances will include 7 productions for theatre, 18 dance performances, 1 multidisciplinary work and 2 street plays.
Held every autumn since 2001, this year, SPAF will be held from 2 October to 14 November at major theatre venues throughout Seoul, including Seoul Arts Center, Arko Arts Theater, Daehangno Arts Theater, and Sejong Center.
For more information, log on to http://www.spaf.or.kr/2010english/
Final Showcase of SPROUTS 2010: Works of 8 Finalists
Winner of SPROUTS 2009, Gianti Gadi
Singapore, 15 September 2010: After a vigorous pre-selection process and Preliminary Round, 8 promising individuals will have yet another taste of the limelight for the Final Showcase held on 18 September 2010, 7.30pm at the University Cultural Centre Theatre.
The 8 final contestants - Phua Chiu Teng, Rebecca (26 years old),Chen Guohu, Max (26 years old), Cheiw Peishan (27 years old), Fan Yaohong, royston (33 years old), Basu Mallick Koustav (25 years old), Fong Huey Jun, Liz (27 years old), Tan Ting Feng, Kenneth (23 years old) and Tan Xian Lin, Seren (20 years old) are nothing short of talented individuals. All presented contemporary dance works, and one Chinese traditional folk dance.
The jury will also be graced by international talents like Bilqis Hijjas, a well-known Malaysian dance producer, Claire Sung, Senior Manager of International Programming for the Seoul Performing Arts Festival and Yang Mei Rong, a lecturer at Taipei National University of Arts. The jury is also made up of local industry leaders and creatives, such as Mr Janek Schergen, Artistic Director, Singapore Dance Theatre, Ms Norhayati Yusoff, Arts Programmer, Esplanade and Ms Gillian Tan, Dance Lecturer, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
Proudly organized by the National Arts Council (NAC) together with Frontier Danceland, SPROUTS provides a platform for debuting fresh and exciting choreographic works by budding choreographers. Previous winner of SPROUTS 2009, Gianti Gadi, will also perform her new work during the Final Showcase of SPROUTS 2010.
An array of exciting opportunities and prizes await the winner of the “Most Promising Work”– a cash prize of $2000, along with an Arts Professional Development Grant of up to $3000 to pursue further training in dance choreography. The lucky individual will also get to perform a new or expanded work at the Finals of the next edition of SPROUTS.
Winner of “The Most Popular Work”, determined by audience votes, will stand to win a cash prize of S$1000, while “Best Dancer” will receive a cash prize of S$500.
In addition, 2 SPROUTS participants will be selected to receive scholarships to Contact 2010 – A Week of Dance, organized by T.H.E Dance Company in partnership with National Arts Council and co-presented by the National University of Singapore, and Centre for The Arts held at the University Cultural Centre.
Admission to the Final Showcase is open to public. Ticketing information and prices are available through SISTIC at $15 and $10. Schools may use the Tote Board Arts Grant in purchasing tickets. Limited 50%-subsidised Keppel Nights tickets are available. Visit www.keppelnights.com for more information.
Celebrating Malaysia Day with Wayang Kulit
A Wayang Kulit performance by the renowned Kumpulan Wayang Kulit Anak Baju Merah from Machang, Kelantan will be held in conjunction with the MALAYSIAKU: CELEBRATING MALAYSIA DAY festival.
Led by Kelantan’s most popular Dalang, Saupi bin Isa and drummer Abdul Rahman bin Dollah, this wayang troupe are heirs to the late, legendary Dalang Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollah Baju Merah).
This performance is also being held to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the passing of Dalang Dollah Baju Merah.
Details of the event:
Venue: Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar
Time: 9pm
Date: 16.09.2010
The MALAYSIAKU: CELEBRATING MALAYSIA DAY festival is organized by a group of Malaysia, who care deeply for the country and believe that this country is “My Malaysia” (Malaysiaku) for all Malaysians.
Through exhibitions, talks, discussions, performances, poetry reading, art, music, books, food, and other ways, the festival celebrates all that is unique and beautiful about this country.
Tribute to Kazou Ohno, Butoh Legend
Thailand, 5 September 2010: On 1 June 2010, Kazuo OHNO, co-founder of Butoh passed away at the age of 103. His work has inspired several generations of artists and audience alike. After his passing the global Butoh community mourned wondering what to do, what was the future for Butoh. Many felt as though something should be done to honour his gift to this life. So, on 21 August 2010, Democrazy Theatre Studio, Butoh Co-Op presented a Kazuo OHNO Tribute performance and a workshop entitled “The Body in Time and Space” by international artists to honour their sensai.
The artists wereJoao Roberto de Souza(Brazil), Terry Hatfield (USA), and Ampinee Suwunsawet (Thailand). There will be another series in December featuring artists Michael Sakamoto (USA) and Rocio Fernandez Fraile (Spain).
"Every time we say goodbye
I die a little
Every time we say goodbye
I wonder why a little
Why the Gods above me
Who must be in the know
Think so little of me
They allow you to go..."
(Cole Porter)
Favourite Thai Festival Returns
Thailand, 1 September 2010: Dance enthusiasts have less than three weeks to secure bookings for their favourite shows at the "Bangkok 12th International Festival of Dance & Music" happening between 11 September to 24 October 2010.
As always, the festival is packed with operas, symphony concerts, ballets and dances by renowned troupes from around the world, providing a rare opportunity for Thai audiences to experience arts and culture of international level. Celebrating the festival's first circle anniversary in Thailand will be a total of 17 performances at Thailand Cultural Centre on Ratchadaphisek Road. Below are the dance performances:
15 September, 7.30pm: ballet
La Bayadère
Novosibirsk State Ballet Theatre, Russia
16 September, 7.30pm: three one-act ballets
Serenade / Whispers in the Dark / Who Cares?
Novosibirsk State Ballet Theatre, Russia
17 September, 7.30pm, 18 Sep at 2.30pm: ballet
Cinderella
Novosibirsk State Ballet Theatre, Russia
19 September, 7.30pm: dance
Sangre Flamenco
Neuvo Ballet Espanol, Spain
22 & 23 September, 7.30pm: ballet
Swan Lake
Zurich Ballet, Switzerland
25 September, 7.30pm, 26 Sep at 2.30pm: ballet
A Christmas Carol
Northern Ballet Theatre, United Kingdom
28 & 29 September, 7.30pm: dance
Fiesta the Night Away
Kings of Salsa, Cuba
9 October, 7.30pm: dance
Fruit of the Earth / Flock / Cherche, Trouve, Perdu / Trama
Cisne Negro (Black Swan) Dance Company, Brazil
12 October, 7.30pm: dance
Tango Feeling
Estempas Portenas Dance Company, Argentina
Get your tickets from www.thaiticketmajor.com.
Dance Malaysia: Our Culture in Pictures
Malaysia, 31 August 2010: A PICTURE is worth a thousand words. To commemorate Merdeka, photographs are usually used to encapsulate the nation’s memory and reflect its aspirations.
Exhibitions displaying the photographic legacy of the nation have been ubiquitous, demonstrating a consistent and collective effort at remembering the streams of nationhood in it’s many dimensions.
Hosted at the concourse of Bangsar Shopping Centre is “Dance Malaysia: Our Culture in Pictures”, a photo exhibition that captures the history and evolution of dance in our country through the decades.
Scheduled to run until Sept 16, the photographs demonstrate the diversity of styles and traditions extant in the nation’s dance heritage, while reflecting the “becoming” of a dance tradition that can truly be called its own.
BRDB chairman Datuk Mohamed Moiz J.M. Ali Moiz says “It is heartwarming just seeing how the exhibits bring people together and create a buzz in the community. This event is not just about celebrating Merdeka, but is also about celebrating the community spirit that is synonymous with Malaysians.”
He says one of the main aims of this year’s exhibition is to recognise the talent and commitment demonstrated by the country’s performing arts community.
In addition to commemorating dance as a cultural form in the exhibition, this year sees BRDB acknowledging the contributions of five principal figures in the development of the arts in Malaysia.
They are Mak Yong actress Mek Jah Derih, traditional dance custodians Vatsala Sivadas and Wong Kit Yaw, acclaimed contemporary dancer Marion D’Cruz and dance scholar Prof Mohd Anis Mohd Nor.
Each will receive RM15,000 for his/her contribution to the arts in socio-cultural and educational contexts.
“These individuals have demonstrated considerable commitment to the development of Malaysia’s dance fraternity,” says Moiz.
They also represent many streams of dance in the country — from the traditional and classical to the modern and contemporary.
They are also acknowledged for consistently attempting to bridge divides and find commonalities between traditions to bequeath greater depth and meaning to the experience of Malaysian dance.
“Every one of them has also performed a crucial role in the education of the young, ensuring that their practice and the broader learning that comes with it remains a bequest for succeeding generations. Their contributions in their respective fields have contributed towards dance as a cultural form,” says Moiz.
The commemoration of these five figures towards the development and evolution of dance and dance scholarship remains a singular gesture at acknowledging the essential role of creative life in the nation’s development.
It also signals an effort at discovering new ways of shaping forms of investment in the nation’s cultural life, a matter emphasised by Moiz.
“Our vision is to build iconic communities that stand the test of time. We also recognise that while we can build the infrastructure and ‘hardware’ — be it residences or shopping centres — to house a community, it is the soul of that community that makes it iconic.
“The soul of a community comes from growing and supporting its wealth of culture, traditions and art forms. As one of Malaysia’s most established property companies, BRDB understands and appreciates the role we should play in adding value to the community.”
Dance remains important in Malaysia’s cultural life, figuring prominently not only in community expressions, but also as a creative form of expression in its social fabric.
A legacy for the young
RECIPIENTS OF THE BRDB NST DANCE MALAYSIA TRIBUTE
Prof Mohd Anis Mohd Nor
Prof Anis is a dancer and academic and previously Director of the Cultural Centre at the University of Malaya. He is among the most renowned scholars of Malaysian and Southeast Asian dance internationally, but is also credited for establishing dance studies as a principal area of research in cultural studies.
He is responsible for the setting up of the National Arts Academy and was credited for directing the revival of folk and traditional dance in Johor.
Marion D’Cruz
Better known for her role in spearheading the Five Arts Society, as well as a producer, Marion D’ Cruz’s role in pioneering the concept and establishing a tradition of contemporary dance in the country is unrivalled.
She has also been an advocate of bridging the divide between modern, contemporary and traditional dance and conducted a career, for some three decades, as an educator, instructor and inspiration behind a successive generation of modern and contemporary dancers.
Wong Kit Yaw
As a young lad interested in the study of dance in the 1970s, Wong faced a major stumbling block as there was no one teaching Chinese classical dance in Malaysia in the 1960s and 1970s.
His quest led him to study dance at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore and upon graduation, he juggled a full-time job as a construction supervisor while dancing part-time.
Ten years later and after many stints in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Wong returned home to become a Chinese folk and classical dance instructor at the Hulu Langat Hokkien Association in Kajang, where he helped establish a dance troupe of 20 youngsters.
Soon teaching offers started pouring in. He is the artistic director of his children’s dance company, The Performing Arts of Todern.
Mek Jah Derih
Mek Jah Derih is one of the few remaining activists of the Mak Yong, a performance that is heading for extinction.
Despite turning 64, Mek Jah, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, is still very active in Mak Yong and has never turned down invitations to perform in the country and abroad to keep the art alive.
Her most remarkable achievement was the opportunity to perform in France in November last year when UNESCO recognised the art troupe as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Herritage of Humanity”.
Vatsala Sivadas
Vatsala Sivadas remains among the most understated yet stalwart teachers and practitioners of the Indian Classical Dance tradition of bharatanatyam.
For five decades she has imparted the tradition in her personal capacity and as one of the founding figures of the Temple of Fine Arts.
In 2008, she was selected as one of the National Treasures by the Ministry of Unity, Culture and the Arts
Dentyne® ConfiDance Movement Grand Finale
Malaysia, 20 August 2010: The Dentyne® ConfiDance Movement drew to a close with an explosive showdown as the top 10 Dentyne ConfiDance Movement finalists battled it out with their fancy footwork during the Grand Finale in Sunway Pyramid, PJ. The dance competition is the first of its kind to be organized by Dentyne® for the very purpose of getting the public to shed their shy persona and unleash their confident side in light with Dentyne®'s aim to refresh their confidence.
The grand finale saw the group Votion Force emerge as the champions having danced their way into the hearts of the judges and bagging the 1st prize of RM10000 in cash. The competition was stiff as they were closely followed by 10 10 10 10 group that nabed the 2nd prize of RM6000 in cash and ECX group that took home the 3rd prize of RM4000 in cash. All the contestants did not stop short of putting on an incredibly energetic performance that got the crowd going wild.
"Dentyne® is proud to have been able to organize an event which served as a platform for budding dance enthusiasts to showcase their extraordinary talent and sharing them with the public. With the magnitude of talent the judging process was challenging for the panel of judges" enthused Ms Yee Pek Kuan, Group Brand Manager of Cadbury.
"Each group exhibited phenoenal teamwork, creativity, choreography and have undoubtedly set a discernible benchmark for future dance competitions of this nature," expressed Ms Yee.
The esteemed panel of judges comprised of Jojo Struys, a famous TV host, producer and former ballet dancer, Choy Su-Ling, Editor of AsiaDanceChannel Magazine, Joel Tan, the founder of Urban Groove Dance Network, Szu, Executive Creative Director of McCann Erickson Malaysia and Ms Yee Oek Kuan, Group Brand Manager from Cadbury Malaysia.
The Dentyne® ConfiDance Movement achieved its goal in organizing a successful event that showcased enormous talent from the participants who demondstrated that with confidence, anything is possible!
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Ms Yee Pek Kuan, Group Brand Manager of Cadbury and grand prize winners Votion Force
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Opening act by Dentyne® dance partner and founder of Urban Groove, Joel Tan and his team
"Savour the Asian Heritage" Opening Gala Performance
Malaysia, 14 August 2010: The SEADT Charity Tour Performance features Madam Surianty Liu Chun Wai, a well-known and highly respected figure in the Asian performing arts scene. She will be bringing her Southeast Asia Dance Troupe from Hong Kong and Jakarta to tour and perform in Malaysia. She carries with her a wealth of experience in dance and performing arts, particularly in ethnic, classical, folk and traditional dances of South East Asia. Get your tickets today! For more infomartion, please click here.
 
Step up to SPROUTS 2010: The National Competition for Emerging Choreographic Talent
Singapore, 14 August 2010: Leaping into their second year, this anticipated choreography event is set to take place from 7 August to 18 September 2010. Whether it is street hip-hop or classical ballet, this event will be the highlight of any choreographer's calendar. Proudly organised by the National Arts Council, Singapore (NAC) together with Frontier Danceland, SPROUTS is a national platform for debuting fresh and fun works. Prizes include S$2000 and an Arts Professional Development Grant of up to S$3000, S$1000 for the Most Popular Work, and S$500 for Best Dancer. For more info, log on to www.nac.gov.sg or www.DanSing.org.sg.
Blobby Dance Competition 2010 Champions
Indonesia, 14 August 2010: The second Blobby Dance competition in Surabaya was held in conjunction with the launch of Nippon Spot-less in Indonesia. A total of 68 teams from many cities took part in the competition - Jojakarta, Kediri, Jember, Malang, Surabaya, Tulungagung, and Medan. The famous Indonesia choreographer Arie Tulang was invited as the star judge of the event. The total prizes in cash was increased to Rp90 juta (about USD10,000) to encourage dancing as a healthy and fun activity in Indonesia. And the winners are:
Top 5 Winners: To the Point, Stylez Crew, Lil Minute, Broadway Dancers, and Street Pass
Best Performance and Effort: Evav Community, Wassabi Crew, Takupaz Junior, Heavy Crew, Pejuang Kota, Chiekiezie Crew, Soul City, Point Star, Buck Crew, Soerabaja Kedjang, Black Devil's, Lika Liku Laki Laki, Baby Peace and Voltage Crew
Consolation Awards: Tabakar, AG Dancer Group, Little Breakin, Paradise Dancer, and Explosion
AsiaDanceChannel Magazine:
Now available in Malaysia and Singapore!
Asia, 11 August 2010: The Jun-Nov 2010 issue comes with Singapore's Official Dance Directory, free! Get your copy today from major bookstores in Malaysia and Singapore or online at www.asiadancestore.com. For every magazine sold, RM2 goes to ADC's Emerging Choreogrpaher Fund.
Short + Sweet Dance: Shortlisted Choreographies
Malaysia, 3 August 2010: After two amazing runs in 2008 & 2009, Short+Sweet is back for another year! Here is the list of shortlisted choreographies for the S+S Dance Festival: Parts of Infinity - XX. Love by BB Ostella Adam; Mawar by Muhaini Ahmad; Less Talk More Rock - Isabelle Lim; The Bridal Shawl - Kayla; Warriors - Revathi Murugappan; One Day - Today? by Bilqis Binti Hijjas; Biji by Chai Vivan; Tribulation by Cyn Dee Too; Dancin' Man by Clara & Shirena Hamzah); Da dan Du by Fairul Zahid; Spo(r)t-The-Dance by Fauzi Amirudin; Next Stop by Chia Yan Wei; Mavi Marmala by Markyong; Limitation by Vivian Chan; The Sunflower by Jensen; Rusuk Ke-12 by Shahafiz; Hidden by Christine; Bayangan by Gloria; Laki... Lucky by K-Rol Mohtar; Zapin Mahpom by Al-Farish; Sandar by Ayid; Jali Jalan by Amirul Safuan Bin Kamaludin; and T+T+F=F by Malcolm. Congratulations!
As part of Esplanade‟s continual effort to support and develop local and Asian artists, da:ns festival will commission and present a new work Hokkaido (Or Somewhere Like That) by this year‟s Artist-in-Residence, daniel k (Singapore). The two-month residency programme will see daniel k working together with another local dancer Ming Poon, lighting designer Fujimoto Takayuki (Japan) and sound artist Chong Li-Chuan (Singapore). With a background in both dance and visual arts, daniel k approaches dance with a fresh perspective. In the piece, hundreds of photographs of the Hokkaido landscape will flicker in a cinematic backdrop for the dance where all the elements – dance, images, video, light and animation – are choreographed to explore the concept of memory and love.
For more information, log on to http://www.dansfestival.com/2010/
JAMU 2010 will take Dance Out of its conventional spaces.
Featured in this edition are:
1. I n Nature by Wong Kit Yaw
2. Dara by Zamzuriah Zahari
3. Solitude – artistic direction by Umesh Shetty featuring Dhanya Thurairajah, Judimar Hernandez, Manjula Radhakrishnan and FIrdaus Mustapha Kamal.
4. The Last Tea Party – conceptualized by Joseph Gonzales and choreographed with dancers.
5. BMINU by Suhaimi Magi
6. Selesa tak? by Mohd Seth Hamzah
7. Football by Gan Chih Pei
Date: 2 and 3 October 2010 (Saturday and Sunday)
Tickets: Adults - RM 25.00 & Students – RM 15.00 (workshops and performances)
Venue: ASWARA Campus – 464, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 KL
Contact: 03-26971777; 019-2319179 (Jeffri)
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