Enjoy three nights of classical-inspired contemporary Indian dance at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Youth Arts Festival running from Thursday, 29 to Saturday, 31 August.
The dynamic Tribhangi Dance Theatre and Dakshina Dance Company have joined forces to bring Joburg the mixed bill Pancha Bhuta at the Art Centre Theatre on UJ’s Kingsway Campus.
Pancha Bhuta draws on the similarities of classical Indian dance whilst combining a contemporary energy to include dance genres that enrich experiences and perceptions of life.
Started in 1989 by Jayesperi Moopen, the Tribhangi Dance Theatre is known for bringing unique combinations of Indian, Contemporary, African and Afrofusion dance styles to local and international stages. With a 30 year lifespan, it has toured Mauritius, Lesotho, Botswana, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
“Part of our legacy is to continue to inspire, educate and engage with artists and audiences in building a South Africa that we can all be proud of. Social cohesion and intercultural dialogue will always remain at the forefront of our work,” says Moopen.
Dakshina Dance, one of Washington DC’s leading dance companies, will bring its unique and dynamic style to the UJ stage. It aims to “explore and present dance in its complexity and multiplicity, celebrate tradition while constantly creating new vocabularies in movement and dance evolving to newer and higher standards,” says Daniel Phoenix Singh, the company’s founding Artistic Director.
“Dakshina Dance is honoured to work with internationally acclaimed choreographer Jayesperi Moopen. She is one of the leading voices anchored in tradition but also finding hybrid vocabularies. One of the goals of both companies, Tribhangi and Dakshina, is to use the arts as a tool for cultural diplomacy and we are excited to launch this international collaboration,” Singh explains.
Pancha Bhutha is inspired by the five elements of nature (Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth) and is choreographed by Moopen. It features Vincent Zwane, Priyadarshni Naidoo, Bongani Nkala, Robin-Lee Delport, Dimakatso Ledwaba, Preshal Pillay, Tebogo Mogotsi, Shavani Pillay, Timeletso Khalane and Mduduzi Buthelezi.
Performances start at 7:30pm on Thursday, 29 and Friday, 30 August and at 3pm on Saturday, 31 August. Tickets retail for R80 per person, R30 for students, while block bookings cost R50. Tickets are available on www.uj.ac.za/arts or at the door.
