Every morning, Jazzart co-founder Dawn Langdown will "break down typical company rhythms and show how basic patterns can be used as teaching aids and choreographic tools". Of particular interest will be her introduction to how indigenous rhythms can influence performance. Her sessions are from 9am to 10.30am, followed by a contemporary dance workshop co-facilitated by founding members of Free Flight Dance Company, Adele Blank and Natalie Fisher. This dynamic duo will show dancers how to find the "edge" in performance, by manipulating their bodies to consistently execute technical movements with confidence, from 11am to 1pm.
Meanwhile, trainees of the Jazzart Training Programme are preparing to perform Bhabha (meaning "to fly" in isiXhosa) from 17 to 19 July at Artscape. Choreographed by Moeketsi Koena and directed by Jazzart's new artistic resident, Jackï Job, the show captures the talents of the group two years into their training as they are coached towards making a career in the performing arts.
The 2014 trainees are: Katlego Moncho, Lee-Joel Bosman, Lewellyn Afrika, Lusanda Dayimani, Lusindiso Dibela, Nichellé Linnert, Nkosinathi Mngomezulu, Nkemiseng Khena, Tamsyn Spannenberg and Yaseen Manuel. Company members Sinazo Bokolo-Bruns and Amy-Kay Klaasen will perform with them.
Koena is the director of Inzalo Dance and Theatre Company (Johannesburg) and associate director for the Madagascar International Dance Festival, I'Trotra. He has choreographed in South Africa and Europe, for what was then Technikon Pretoria and Artisisjok/Nultwintig Youth Organisation in Amsterdam, among others. His ability to incorporate nuances of day-to-day life in South Africa with the variables of dance in kwaito and hip hop music, and Western contemporary dance forms within the African dance genre, enables him to create work with his own signature. Bhabha aims to convey the dancers' individual journeys at a pivotal stage of their professional lives.
* The Jazzart master classes are being held at Artscape Theatre Centre, 5th floor, Room 552, Cnr. Hertzog Boulevard and DF Malan Street, Cape Town. Call +27 (0)21 410 9848 for more information. You'll get the most benefit if you attend consecutive classes.
* Bhabha opens at Artscape Theatre on Thursday, 17 July at 8.15pm for four performances only. Tickets are R100; R80 for pensioners and students and for block bookings of 10 or more. Book at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat +27 (0)21 421 7695.
