Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog » 2010 Director’s Notes

A week with AXIS Dance Company

Laura — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:47:22 +0000

After a long flight and a late-night arrival to campus, Alice, Rodney, Janet, Sebastian, Sonsherée, and Judith of AXIS Dance Company introduced themselves to the Bates Community with a lecture/demonstration in which they performed and discussed short samplings of recent works. The company discussed rehearsal practices, educative initiatives, and what you do when you reach [...]

A week with AXIS Dance Company is a post from: Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog

Final Day in Joburg, March 11

Laura — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:48:04 +0000

Sadly this is my last day in Joburg. I wish I could stay longer to continue dialogue with members of the dance community. I have learned a lot during my short stay but there is so much more to know. I regret having to miss the last two performances by Boyzie and Erik. I attend [...]

Final Day in Joburg, March 11 is a post from: Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog

Joburg, March 10

Laura — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:22:09 +0000

Today we meet with Sylvia Glasser who I first got to know in 1999. She gives us a tour of their beautiful new building, introduces the staff and fills us in on recent developments. In the lobby Sylvia tells me she wants to introduce me to a very special person. A petite older woman is [...]

Joburg, March 10 is a post from: Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog

Joburg, March 9

Laura — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:18:36 +0000

I spend most of the morning writing and taking another long walk around our neighborhood. Tonight we see a new work, “Batsumi,” by Thabo Rapoo, a young choreographer with Moving Into Dance Mophatong (MIDM). MIDM is the most established company in Joburg. It was founded in 1978 by Sylvia “Magogo” Glasser as a non-racial dance [...]

Joburg, March 9 is a post from: Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog

Joburg, March 8

Laura — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:59:16 +0000

This is our day off from the festival as no performances are scheduled. We take the opportunity to get out of the city and head to the Magaliesberg hills, an area northwest of Joburg about one hour’s drive. Our driver Lawrence, whose company is providing transport for all the festival participants, is a knowledgeable guide. [...]

Joburg, March 8 is a post from: Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog

Joburg, March 7

Laura — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:25:08 +0000

Today Gregory Maqoma takes us on a personal tour of Soweto — his hometown. In fact it is the hometown of most of the black people we have met. It is about a 20-minute drive east of Joburg on a good day with light traffic. Soweto has a population of about 4 million. It is [...]

Joburg, March 7 is a post from: Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog

Joburg, March 6

Laura — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:02:08 +0000

This morning we are off to Rosebank Craft Market that is housed in a large mall, like many others around the world, except that it features this fabulous craft market with handmade items from across Africa, a flea market, outdoor cafes, impromptu performances and great people watching. We have come for the crafts — two [...]

Joburg, March 6 is a post from: Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog

Joburg, March 5

Laura — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:47:14 +0000

I must admit this is one of the most enjoyable trips to see work I can remember. The weather is mostly perfect with a thunderstorm here and there. Our four-star guesthouse is totally charming and comfortable with many lovely little touches like the soothing sound of fountains, one by the front door and one spilling [...]

Joburg, March 5 is a post from: Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog

Joburg, March 4

Laura — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:13:01 +0000

Today’s talk is with Musa Hlatshwayo and Acty Tang. There are 20 or more artists present for a lively discussion. Musa talks about the importance of process over product. To develop the work he asked his dancers to do individual research. The focus of their examination has been on the dominant patriarchal system that restricts [...]

Joburg, March 4 is a post from: Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog

Joburg, March 3

Laura — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:23:28 +0000

After rushing to catch the tail end of breakfast I endeavor to catch up the never-ending task of email. Then we are out the door for today’s artist talk with Vincent and Neli. We will see Neli’s show tonight. Its kind of nice to have some of the talks occur before we see the work [...]

Joburg, March 3 is a post from: Bates Dance Festival Artist Blog