Posts Tagged ‘idfb2010’

5 Soldiers in Milan

After a successful tour in the spring and summer, IDFB 2010 co-commissioned work 5 SOLDIERS – The Body Is The Frontline recently had its international premiere at the Madrid En Danza festival in Spain. The prestigious dance festival invited Rosie Kay Dance Company to perform 5 Soldiers at the Teatro de la Abadia for two nights. The piece, which is a timely, controversial, thought provoking exploration of war in modern times, received an incredible reception, selling out its premiere and had a great response from interested audiences who stayed for the post-show talk.

5 Soldiers, Photographer Brian Slater

5 SOLDIERS is a dance theatre work with a female and four male dancers. It looks at how the human body is essential to, and used in, warfare. The work, choreographed by Rosie Kay, explores the physical training that prepares you for war, as well as the possible effects on the body, and the injury caused by warfare. For more 5 Soldiers news, visit the Rosie Kay Dance Company website. You can also watch the BBC coverage on the 5 SOLDIERS Facebook Group.

IDFB 2010 gets gold

The team is extremely proud of IDFB 2010’s victory at the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards in the Best One-off/Annual Event of the Year category.

And as a Gold winner, the 2010 Festival will be entered in the national Enjoy England Awards to represent the West Midlands in early 2011.

With Bob Warman at the Awards Photo by Jan Sansi Photography

According to the judges, IDFB 2010 “brought great national and international dance to venues and open spaces across the region. Through the range of work on offer, IDFB 2010 connected with the region’s diverse population, inspired pride and attracted visitors to the city. In doing so, IDFB 2010 raised aspirations, benefitted the local economy and enhanced the cultural life of the region.”

DanceXchange Artistic Director and IDFB Co-Director David Massingham said: “It is fantastic news that IDFB 2010 has been recognised in this way. The programme was truly diverse and very appealing, engaging people who wouldn’t usually come to arts events.

“The stage shows and unique outdoor productions complemented each other and attracted big audiences. We’re very proud of this result, which recognises the impact the event has had on the city and the region – after just two Festivals, it is a real achievement. We’re really looking forward to 2012!”

Stuart Griffiths, Birmingham Hippodrome Chief Executive and Co-Director of IDFB added: “IDFB has, in just two years, become one of the largest dance festivals in the world, so we are thrilled to have been presented with this tourism award. Not only were we able to present some of the best dance from around the globe, but we also saw audiences double in size from 2008.”

This year’s Festival had an audience of nearly 60,000 people and its broad range of programmes featured more than 30 different dance and performance styles, and represented almost 30 countries from six continents.

Fingers crossed for 2011 at the national awards – watch this space to find out if we scoop another gong!

Wild about Tavaziva

Following the success of Heart of Darkness, which was performed at The Patrick Centre in March 2009, Tavaziva Dance returns with an energetic new show entitled Wild Dog. Inspired by the rapidly vanishing wild dogs or hunting dogs, Zimbabwe-born choreographer and composer Barwen Tavaziva created the piece to raise awareness of one of Africa’s most endangered species.

Wild Dog Photo by Irven Lewis

IDFB interviewed Barwen to find out a bit more about his latest production and what’s next for him.

Watch Barwen’s interview:

Wild Dog is on Saturday 6 November at 8pm at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome.

Tickets
In advance: £10 / £7 concession
On the day: £12 / £9 concession

For ticket sales call 0844 338 5000 or to book online and for more information visit www.dancexchange.org.uk.