Call for entries to The Baxter Dance Festival 2011

Entries are sought from dance studios, schools, companies, groups and independent dance makers, as well as proposals from choreographers (including a DVD of recent work) for a specially commissioned new 20-minute choreographic dance piece. Choreographers are strongly encouraged to send in their submissions as early as possible.

The festival aims to provide emerging and established dance companies and choreographers with an opportunity to present their work, whilst striving to nurture and promote dance talent in the Western Cape. It is the perfect environment to experience and see work by established professionals, as well as exciting up-and-coming dance practitioners.

Since its inception, more than 225 local choreographers have presented their work in the festival, featuring over 1000 dancers from about 150 studios, dance schools, projects and professional companies from all over the Western Cape, presenting a wide variety of dance styles and genres including contemporary, classical, African, modern and Spanish.

An exciting new addition

"The growth of the festival has been most encouraging," said Nicolette Moses, the Baxter's associate producer and project manager of the dance festival. "To this end we have introduced an exciting new addition to create further opportunity for local dance groups and choreographers - the Off Main Programme, to ensure an exciting, diverse and jam-packed line-up."

The Main Programme will feature work of various lengths by established professional companies, as well as the newly commissioned work and invited companies, while the Off Main Programme, which takes place on Saturday, 8 October from 2pm, will showcase young up-and-coming choreographers and student work. The Fringe Off-Main Programme from 2pm on Saturday, 15 October, will include work by youth groups, dance studios, school groups, traditional African dance groups and choreographers who specifically request that their work be staged here for practical or other reasons.

Previous choreographers of the commissioned work are Ebrahim Medell (2005), Marlin Zoutman (2006), collaborators Yarisha Singh and Celeste Botha (2007), Levern Botha (2008), Mamela Nyamza (2009) and Carolyn Holden from La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre in 2010. All these choreographers have continued to make their mark in the world of dance, both locally and abroad.

A comprehensive production package

The Baxter Theatre Centre will provide a comprehensive production package, which includes lighting, sound, technical assistance, publicity, box office facilities, printed programmes and pre-show rehearsal arrangements - making it a "no admin headaches" experience for participating dance groups and companies.

All entries to participate in this year's bumper Baxter Dance Festival 2011 may be emailed, faxed or hand delivered, with the closing date for applications strictly by no later than 5pm on Wednesday, 13 July. No late entries will be entertained.

Application forms are available from www.baxter.co.za, www.facebook.com/BaxterTheatre or from the Baxter's reception desk in the main foyer. Forms may also be obtained from, and should be sent to, Nicolette Moses, associate producer and planning manager, on +27 (0)21 680 3988, fax +27 (0)21 650 5260 or email az.ca.tcu@sesom.ettelocin. Alternatively they can be hand delivered to the Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, marked clearly for her attention.