Acclaimed dancer David Toole collaborated with a team of UK and South African artists, both non-disabled and disabled, on The Impending Storm, which premiered at IDFB 2012 in May. Watch the video below to see some of the highlights of an unforgettable show:
Created with artist Mark Storor, The Impending Storm is personal, particular and political. Pushing the boundaries of integrated dance, the work is an explosive and emotional look at the stories we tell, and the stories that we are.
The dancers of Remix, South Africa’s only professional integrated dance company, perform with UK-based David Toole and Lucy Hind, to a soundtrack performed live by UK musician Dom Coyote, in collaboration with South African singer Sandile Gontsana, which provides a passionate spoken text and sung score that effortlessly crosses geographic and cultural continents.
Last week, the season kicked off with David Toole and Lucy Hind’s satirical dance duet Extra-Ordinary. David and Lucy will be continuing to work together with acclaimed UK choreographer Liam Steele in collaboration with South African dance company Remix, in partnership with DanceXchange and The Baxter Theatre in South Africa, on an exciting Unlimited commission for the Cultural Olympiad in 2012, so look out for more information on that project soon.
This month, IDFB’s (in)visible/visible dancin’ choreographer Luca Silvestrini is back in Birmingham with LOL (lots of love) on Thursday 17 February. Luca’s latest work has received 4 star reviews from The Times and The Guardian, and explores the very current theme of social networking and how it impacts on the way we live and love.
Here’s the trailer:
Tilted Productions’ Masquerade is on Friday 11 March. Described as “an excursion of the sleeping mind”, this piece for six dancers is inspired by Freud’s interpretations of dreams and features prosthetics by renowned SFX artist John Schoonraad.
London’s leading Hip hop company Avant Garde Dance, under Artistic Director Tony Adigun, are making their Birmingham debut with Illegal Dance on Sunday 26 March. A 360-degree multimedia production, the show is set in an underground society where dance and artistic expression are forbidden. The Stage described Avant Garde as “bold, inventive dance… an adventure in hip hop.”
A strong double bill comes to The Patrick Centre on Thursday 21 April from Company Chameleon founders Anthony Missen and Kevin Turner. Kith/Kin explores male relationships and identity. Before the Night Fell, made with choreographer Beth Cassani, looks at notions of camaraderie and bravery. Meanwhile, Rites is about coming of age, peer pressure and the events that shape men as sons, brothers, fathers and friends.
Kate Mason’s Mobius Dance Theatre will perform Such is Life at The Patrick Centre on Thursday 5 May. The show’s five fantastic performers will perform an athletic, high-octane theatrical work with a quirky edge.
Finally, dx will be presenting its annual Family Weekend – a weekend of dance performances and workshops for children and their families. There are two great shows featuring in the Family Weekend: White Caps, which is on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May, and See Saw on Saturday 21 May at 7pm and Sunday 22 May at 11am and 2pm.
Champloo Dance and Travelling Light’s White Caps combines film, music and physical performance. This piece, created by Wilkie Branson, is about the emotional and physical journey of two b-boys.
Meanwhile, Irish dance company Ciotog’s See Saw introduces young children to dance with an intimate and informal performance by three dancers interacting with the audience. Choreographer Ríonach Ní Néill said that the title See-Saw refers to people watching and looking, “the balance between looking and being looked at”
All shows start at 8pm except during the Family Weekend. Please check the website for age suitability.
Also, good news – ticket prices are staying at last season’s reduced rate:
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.
