da:ns 2015 festival guide

9- 18 OCT 2O15

DA:NS TURNS

AN INVITATION TO

FESTIVAL GUIDE

Photo by Magnus Klackenstam

We turn 1O, thanks to the support of Braun Büffel, our partner of 1O years and counting.

Supporting Sponsor (2006 – 2017)

“Congratulations on your 10th anniversary of da:ns festival.

We truly appreciate our partnership as the first sponsor to journey with you for 10 years!

Over the years, we have hosted many of our VIPs, friends from the media as well as trade partners at da:ns festival.

It is with great honour that we will be hosting Sylvie Guillem’s final performances here in Singapore.”

Daniel Chiang Director LianBee Jeco Pte Ltd (Braun Büffel)

Festival Message Dear Friends, Welcome to the 10th edition of Esplanade’s da:ns festival. This important milestone in our journey is made all the more significant with you celebrating the occasion with us.

Your passion and support for dance has made for an increasingly vibrant festival. Today, we have the popular What’s Your Move? dance parties at the Esplanade waterfront; our roving instructors and enthusiastic volunteer group, the da:ns Kaki Ambassadors, who help spread the love for dance; and 65 Footwork introductory dance workshops.

This year, festival-goers can continue to enjoy these activities, as well as experience Southeast Asia’s many dance cultures and traditions at our daily free performances.

Over the decade, the festival has supported the creation of 23 new works. To mark the festival’s 10th anniversary, we are proud to present a line-up of festival commissions that spotlight the creative energy of Singapore’s dance artists. Audiences will experience a generation of leading Singapore dance makers—Kuik Swee Boon, Silvia Yong, Jeffrey Tan and Albert Tiong—returning to the performance stage, T.H.E Dance Company performing a work that takes place in our backstage areas, and Choy Ka Fai working with Asian dance makers in his monumental SoftMachine research project. For emerging choreographers, we launch da:ns lab, an initiative helmed by daniel k that helps artists develop their practice.

We are also delighted to welcome back dear friends from around the world. It is our honour to have the legendary Sylvie Guillem here with us for her final world tour, and the inspiring young dancers from Nederlands Dans Theater 2. The festival also celebrates a new work from two masters, Akram Khan and Israel Galván, in an Esplanade coproduction that is equal parts duel and duet.

Our fans and dance supporters, including our dedicated sponsor for the past decade, Braun Büffel, are the reason we are able to present the festival each year. This year, we invite you to move, to discover, and to fall in love with dance all over again. And we hope that you will continue on this journey with us for many more years to come.

Yours sincerely,

Benson Puah Chief Executive Officer The Esplanade Co Ltd O3

Nederlands Tango Dans Legends Theater 2 Mariela Maldonado An Evening of Five Works

8

Above 4O

四十不惑

Sylvie Guillem

and Pablo Sosa

Life in Progress

1O

12

Cry Jailolo

Kuik Swee Boon, Silvia Yong, Jeffrey Tan & Albert Tiong

Eko Supriyanto

16

18

SoftMachine Choy Ka Fai

TOROBAKA Akram Khan and Israel Galván

14

Impulse

– a backstage site-specific work Kim Jae Duk & T.H.E Dance Company

2O

24 Asia Pacific Dance Bridge

TOROBAKA photo by Jean-Louis Fernandez

The Next Generation

MACOBA Dance Company, Fairul Zahid / ASWARA, Modern Table Company, T.T.C Dance, Frontier Danceland, Danang Pamungkas and Yvonne Ng

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts & LASALLE College of the Arts

26 O4

27

RASAS Traditional Dances from AsiA

28 WHAT’S YOUR MOVE?

3O

WORKSHOPS & TALKS

32

DA:NS FUN

34

FOOTWORK INTRODUCTORY DANCE CLASSES

35 TICKETING & PROMOTION

36

GET INVOLVED

38

FESTIVAL VENUES

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DA:NS FESTIVAL CALENDAR

4O

O5

O6

An invitation to move The heart quickens. Your feet lift off in defiance of gravity. The body suspends all disbelief, relaxes and momentarily surrenders. Falling, you remember the comfort of the familiar. On the ground, your body weaves an intricate sign language of gestures, an expression of your consciousness and being. With eyes closed, the movements connect you to a deeper sense of self, open you up to others, and bring you closer to love.

On this special Anniversary year, da:ns festival invites you to release and to discover, through movement, your true self.

www.dansfestival.com

O7

Stunning productions from around the world take CENTRESTAGE

“A night of superlatives... its ranks are filled with prodigiously talented dancers.”

The Straits Times

“NDT 2 is a distinct phenomenon, and phenomenal.”

The Independent, UK

O8

Cacti photo by Rahi Rezvani

PROGRAMME Schubert by Sol León and Paul Lightfoot Some Other Time by Sol León and Paul Lightfoot mutual comfort by Edward Clug Sara by Sharon Eyal & Gai Behar Cacti by Alexander Ekman

9 & 10 Oct Fri & Sat, 8pm Esplanade Theatre

Schubert and Some Other Time—works created by celebrated duo Sol León (Artistic Advisor and House Choreographer) and Paul Lightfoot (NDT Artistic Director and House Choreographer) for their 25th anniversary performance—take you “from grinning humour to deep melancholy” (VOLKSRANT). The former is a poetic love story with a highly technical pas de deux danced to Schubert’s String Quintet in C, and the latter is a contemplative dream-like work that showcases the emotional dance language of León and Lightfoot.

A gleeful parody of the art form’s greater excesses, Alexander Ekman’s international hit Cacti is an affectionate deconstruction of the love of dance. Cacti has been lauded as “a delight: witty, effervescent, playful, surreal and joyously physical” - The Australian.

The award-winning Edward Clug is an inventive force that has been hailed by Tanz magazine as one of the future hopes for dance. His mutual comfort is a detailed and sharply defined work that contains surprising and spontaneous moments of beauty and irony.

As a former dancer with the Batsheva Dance Company, Sharon Eyal is a gifted choreographer with a creative voice that is sensual, dramatic and precise. Created together with musician Gai Behar, their first work for NDT, Sara, has been described as “wonderful, but mysterious” (Parool), and is a dance of restrained minimalism where memories, dreams and emotions spring from the subconscious.

Schubert photo by Rahi Rezvani

One of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies returns to the festival with five compelling dance works by renowned choreographers. The evening showcases the exceptional strength, passion and versatility of the virtuosic young dancers from NDT 2.

A bout ND T 2

Nederland Dans Theater (NDT) is one of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies.

In 1978, NDT founded their junior division, NDT 2, to develop talent and prepare dancers around the world for their further careers.

NDT 2 aims to acquaint its dancers with a lexicon of dance languages, and works with young choreographers to offer its dancers the opportunity to work within a range of styles and genres. Their varied repertoire consists of work by established choreographers and upcoming talents. Today, both companies of Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT 1 and NDT 2) are celebrated as two of the world’s most distinctive dance ensembles.

2hrs, including two 20min intermissions

Standard $20, $40*, $70**^, $100^^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors $25*, $45** Esplanade&Me White card $65^, $90^^ • Black card $60^, $85^^

View video

From expressions of sheer power to elegant whispers of grace, NDT 2 once again brings us a dance presentation that promises to sweep us off our feet.

O9

Stunning productions from around the world take CENTRESTAGE 1O

“Pablo Sosa and Mariela Maldonado added complicated lifts to their numbers and daring speed, their legs cutting and dividing the air like machetes.”

The New York Times

“…movements fluid and dazzling.”

Sunday Herald Sun

9 & 10 Oct Fri & Sat, 7.30pm Esplanade Concert Hall

From the heart of Argentina comes the fiery magic of tango.

Sensuous, beautiful and soul-moving, it is a language of the body that has transcended cultural boundaries to become a worldwide phenomenon.

Tango Legends is inspired by the grand legends and history of this dramatic dance form. Renowned Argentine tango dancers and choreographers Pablo Sosa and Mariela Maldonado, together with their acclaimed troupe that includes 14 awardwinning dancers, present a spectacular celebration of tango, complete with a remarkable music band with two skilful singers, dramatic costumes and spellbinding sensuality.

These master artists reveal what makes tango legendary, in a breathtaking display that infuses all styles of this passionate dance with their signature glamour. Together, they seek to revive the devotion of the men and women who danced the first tangos.

1hr 40mins, including a 20min intermission

Standard $20, $40*, $70**, $100^, $120^^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors $25*, $45** Esplanade&Me White card $95^, $110^^ • Black card $90^, $105^^

View video

Today, the whole world moves to tango. Its rise from local phenomenon to global fixture was underlined when tango was declared as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009.

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Stunning productions from around the world take CENTRESTAGE

Also happening In Conversation with Sylvie Guillem 15 Oct Thu, 7.30pm Refer to page 33 for more details

“The most charismatic performer on earth.”

Daily Telegraph

“Overwhelmingly poignant.”

The Times

The Financial Times

“There are some moments that are so extraordinary, they defy physical logic.”

The Guardian

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Bye photo by Bill Cooper

“Sylvie Guillem is the most exciting dancer in the world.”

The Independent

final world tour

13 & 14 Oct TUE & WED, 8pm Esplanade THEATRE After an unparalleled career that has spanned almost 35 years of both dancing ballet and contemporary work, Sylvie Guillem presents her final dance programme.

A world famous dancer with an extensive career at the Paris Opera Ballet, as a Principal Guest Artist at the Royal Ballet and Tokyo Ballet, Guillem has played some iconic roles in ballets by Kenneth MacMillan, Maurice Béjart, Frederick Ashton, William Forsythe and Mats Ek. A Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist since 2006, she has diversified as a dancer forging a reputation as a major force in the world of contemporary dance.

For this very special programme titled Life in Progress, she will dance two new works including technê, a solo with live musicians on stage, choreographed by Sacred Monsters creator Akram Khan. The second will be a duet entitled Here & After with Italian dancer Emanuela Montanari from La Scala, by Russell Maliphant who choreographed the award-winning PUSH. The evening’s programme also includes Mats Ek’s touching and poignant Bye made specially for her and performed as part of 6000 miles away, and William Forsythe’s DUO2015, performed by two male dancers, Brigel Gjoka and Riley Watts. Don’t miss this last opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest dancers on stage.

A Sadler’s Wells London Production, co-produced with Les Nuits de Fourvière, Shanghai International Arts Festival and Sylvie Guillem.

Standard $40*, $70**, $100^, $120^^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors $25*, $45** Esplanade&Me White card $95^, $110^^ • Black card $90^, $105^^

View video

1hr 40mins, including a 20min intermission

13

Stunning productions from around the world take CENTRESTAGE

“Circling each other, arms whirling, these two superb dancers combine their kathak and flamenco styles with ferocious intensity.”

The Guardian

“There’s no doubting the genius of all these performers.”

The Arts Desk

“An evening of extraordinary dancing… a blistering dance duel.”

Photos by Jean-Louis Fernandez

The Times

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Festival Co-Production

16 & 17 Oct Fri & Sat, 8pm Esplanade THEATRE A bo ut A kram Khan and Israel Galvá n

Akram Khan and Israel Galván—their names together set the scene. Witness the power, passion, and unrestrained expression in a meeting of two celebrated dance masters that treads the boundary between duet and duel, traditional and the contemporary, hunter and beast.

Collaborating together for the first time, Khan and Galván draw deeply from their roots in Indian kathak and Spanish flamenco, seeking the essence of movement in the body beyond the dance form. This is not an ethnic exchange between traditions nor an exercise in global dance. It is a creation from a shared way of understanding dance that harks back to the origins of voice and of gesture, before they began to produce meaning. Mimesis rather than mimicry.

Accentuated by the rhythms from Khan’s ankle bells and bare feet and Galván’s flamenco shoes, the dance masters are accompanied on stage by Spanish and Indian musicians who provide stunning live vocals and music.

With ferocious masculine intensity and virtuosic brilliance, TOROBAKA is a duet like no other.

Masters of their respective traditional dance forms, and recognised groundbreakers unafraid of pushing the limits of their genres, Akram Khan and Israel Galván are award-winning and celebrated icons of the dance world. Their every move is anticipated and studied by dance lovers, critics and scholars the world over.

Produced by Khan Chaudhry Productions and A Negro Producciones Co-produced by MC2: Grenoble, Sadler’s Wells London, Mercat de les Flors Barcelona, Théâtre de la Ville Paris, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, Festival Montpellier Danse 2015, Onassis Cultural Centre - Athens, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay Singapore, Prakriti Foundation, Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam / Flamenco Biënnale Nederland, Concertgebouw Brugge, HELLERAU – European Center for the Arts Dresden, Festspielhaus St. Pölten, Romaeuropa Festival Production sponsored by COLAS

1hr 10mins, no intermission

Standard $20, $40*, $70**^, $100^^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors $25*, $45** Esplanade&Me White card $65^, $90^^ • Black card $60^, $85^^

View video

Supported by Arts Council England

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SHIFT your notions of dance

“As artists first and foremost, it simply is a blessing to be back onstage.�

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Photo by Bernie Ng

the four choreographer-dancers on Above 40.

Festival Commission

by Kuik Swee Boon, Silvia Yong, Jeffrey Tan & Albert Tiong

Singapore

10 & 11 Oct

SOLD OUT

Sat, 8.30pm Sun, 8pm

Esplanade Theatre Studio

After years of creating choreography and nurturing dancers in Singapore, da:ns festival brings together four established choreographers from Singapore to return to their first love— dancing on stage.

Kuik Swee Boon, Silvia Yong, Jeffrey Tan and Albert Tiong have dedicated their lives to cultivating a professional dance scene in Singapore. As seasoned dance-makers in their 40s, this work is an expression of intimate reflections from the paths they have chosen to take as dance artists, and the developments in their personal lives after retiring from the stage.

Artistically directed by Kuik Swee Boon, the presentation is a collaborative culmination of four individual artistries, performed with an assured command of the stage that comes from decades of dedication to their art.

1hr, no intermission

Standard $30^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors Esplanade&Me White & Black card $27^

$20

View video

Join us for a dialogue with the artists after Saturday’s performance.

17

SHIFT your notions of dance

“…captured the audience in its awesomeness.”

18

Photo by Bari Paramarta Islam

The Jakarta Post Travel

by Eko Supriyanto

Indonesia

14 & 15 Oct Wed & Thu, 8pm Esplanade Theatre Studio

Travelling from central Java to the small, coastal town of Jailolo, Indonesian dancer-choreographer Eko Supriyanto began a long journey of discovery and dialogue between himself and the community of this quiet marine haven. Faced with the brute force of modernisation, he discovered that the coral reefs in the oceans of Teluk Jailolo face impending destruction by violent dynamite fishing practices.

Working with seven young men from Jailolo, Supriyanto created a powerful moving dance that gives a voice to this situation and the remote coastal community. As the dancers sweep the stage with the rhythmic beats of their bare feet tapping on the stage floor, Supriyanto paints a mesmerising image of hope for the fish to return once again to the reefs, and for the peace of the ocean to be eventually restored to its magnificent beauty. The intensity and solidarity of these young men examine the relationship between the individual and the collective while illuminating Supriyanto’s nuanced choreography. A seamless melding of traditional dance from the Jailolo region, with contemporary impulses, Cry Jailolo is a hypnotic dance work that is as compelling as it is graceful.

1hr, no intermission

Standard $30^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors Esplanade&Me White & Black card $27^

View PA GE

Join us for a dialogue with the artists after both performances.

$20 19

Keigo Mikajiri, Choy Ka Fai & Yuya Tsukahara (from left to right) Photo by Bernie Ng

SHIFT your notions of dance 2O

Surjit Nongmeikapam India Rianto Indonesia 17 Oct, Sat, 3pm • 18 Oct, Sun, 8pm A

Advisory: This production contains mature themes and brief rear nudity.

Some parts of the performance will be in Bahasa Indonesia with English surtitles.

Xiao Ke x Zi Han China Yuya Tsukahara Japan 17 OCT, SAT, 8PM • 18 OCT, SUN, 3PM B

Advisory: This production contains some violent scenes.

Some parts of the performance will be in Mandarin with English surtitles.

Festival Commission and Residency

by Choy Ka Fai

Singapore

17 & 18 Oct SAT & SUN, 3PM & 8pm Esplanade Theatre Studio

Photo of Rianto by Choy Ka Fai

After travelling across Asia to research and interview 88 Asian dance-makers, Singapore artist Choy Ka Fai collaborates with dance artists from four countries to present a performance series from his monumental research project SoftMachine.

Through intimate dance portraits, Choy leads us into the deeply personal working lives of choreographers that are negotiating the ever-changing terrain of contemporary dance-making in Asia.

Photo of Xiao Ke & Zi Han by Choy Ka Fai

From India, Surjit Nongmeikapam breaks out of conservative Manipuri cultures and questions exoticism when creating dance for the consumption of European audiences. From Indonesia, Rianto specialises in the traditional dance Lengger and explores the personal and societal tensions of gender in dance-making today. From Japan, Yuya Tsukahara, leader of Contact Gonzo, subjects Choy to a brutal contact improvisation duet and interview, where answers are returned in the form of Gonzo’s signature raw physical power. From China, Xiao Ke and Zi Han reflect on the social and political context of their environment, and experiment with the symbolic tendencies of the Chinese dance-maker.

Part performance, part interview, and set against documentary films created with each of the artists, Choy’s enquiry investigates the choreographic minds of the present and speculates the possibilities of their futures.

SoftMachine will be presented at the ImPulsTanz Festival Vienna, Tanz im August Berlin, Theater Spektakel Zürich, tanzhaus nrw Düsseldorf and Staatstheater Darmstadt, before making its homecoming performance at Esplanade’s da:ns festival, Singapore.

This production will take place in two parts. Tickets are required for both parts.

1hr 20mins, no intermission

Join us for a dialogue with the artists after the 8pm performances.

Standard $30^ for each part Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors Esplanade&Me White & Black card $27^

View video

Programme Supporter

$20 21

www.braunbuffel.com

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Photos by Bernie Ng

SHIFT your notions of dance

Festival Commission and Residency

– a backstage site-specific work

by Kim Jae Duk & T.H.E Dance Company

Korea / Singapore

9-11 & 16-18 Oct Fri – Sun Esplanade Backstage 9 & 16 Oct, Fri 10 & 17 Oct, Sat 11 & 18 Oct, Sun

7.30pm & 10.30pm 3pm & 9pm 3pm & 7pm

In this original site-specific creation by T.H.E Dance Company’s resident choreographer from Korea, Kim Jae Duk, unexpected spaces in the Esplanade backstage become the playground for the dancers of T.H.E to think outside the (theatre) box.

Working with the natural condition of each space, Kim’s choreography creates a seamless impression of organically occurring movement. The dancers engage and react to the surrounding elements, creating an experience that is unique to every performance.

Kim’s works possess a signature style that is darkly humorous, stylishly self-composed, and features fastpaced choreography set to beat-driven music. Described by critics as the brainchild behind some of the most attention-grabbing, refreshing and innovative works today, Kim’s pulsating and energetic work will create a dynamic relationship with Esplanade’s physical spaces.

Advisory There will be no latecomer’s entry for this performance. Please wear comfortable footwear and travel light, as you will be standing throughout the entire performance.

Meeting point Esplanade Stage Door (Mezzanine Level) Directions Exit the glass doors at either side of the Esplanade Box Office and head to your right. The Stage Door is located at the end of the corridor.

Standard $30^ Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors $20 Esplanade&Me Black & White card member price $27^

View video

1hr, no intermission

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The NEXT GENERATION of dance at Esplanade Recital Studio

LASALLE

by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts & LASALLE College of the Arts The da:ns festival’s annual Next Generation platform showcases young dance talents in Singapore. Specially for the festival’s 10th anniversary and WDA’s Asia-Pacific Dance Bridge conference, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and LASALLE College of the Arts come together for the first time to share the stage in celebration of this occasion, and mark their 10th year of participation at da:ns.

1hr 10mins, no intermission

15 – 17 Oct Thu & Fri, 7.30pm Sat, 2pm Esplanade Recital Studio

Working closely with leading local and international choreographers, the programme includes a premiere by Singapore-based choreographer Albert Tiong that features a cast of students from both institutions.

LASALLE presents a new work by an international guest artist that investigates cultural identity through the question of place. While NAFA presents two pieces - IN PLACE, an all male work by Aaron Khek and Ix Wong, and a new work by Jeffrey Tan; both showcasing the distinctive East-West posture and conservatoire training it is known for.

NAFA

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$18 Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors

$12

As part of World Dance Alliance Singapore

DANANG PAMUNGKAS

Fairul Zahid/ ASWARA Frontier Danceland

MACOBA Dance Company

T.T.C DANCE

18 Oct Sun, 6pm Esplanade Recital Studio

Modern Table Company

Yvonne Ng

by MACOBA Dance Company Japan, Fairul Zahid/ ASWARA Malaysia, Modern Table Company Korea, T.T.C Dance Taiwan, Frontier Danceland Singapore, Danang Pamungkas Indonesia and Yvonne Ng Canada

World D ance A lliance

World Dance Alliance (WDA) is an independent, non-profit, non-political organisation that began as the Asia Pacific Dance Alliance in Hong Kong in 1988 by the late Carl Wolz. Currently, there are two regional centres WDA Asia Pacific and WDA Americas. World Dance Alliance Singapore (WDAS) is a chapter of World Dance Alliance AsiaPacific. The World Dance Alliance (WDA) is an organization whose primary goal is to be an advocate for dance worldwide.

Asia Pacific Dance Bridge is one of several events of Asia Pacific Dance Bridge: Connectivity through Dance, a conference organised by World Dance Alliance Singapore.

WDA was created to communicate and exchange ideas between dancers worldwide on issues that are of common concern, recognising that we have truly become a global village.

Dancers, choreographers, teachers and others working in dance related fields have all come together to create an organisation that will speak for dance in its many aspects and voice its concerns.

In one evening, experience a wide range of styles and approaches of contemporary dance from exciting choreographers from the Asia-Pacific region who have been handpicked by the WDA panel from 59 entries.

This event is a collaboration between World Dance Alliance Singapore and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. 1hr 30mins, no intermission

$18 Limited concessions for students, NSFs and seniors

$12

Photo credits: Frontier Danceland (Singapore): Bernie Ng Yvonne Ng (Canada): Brianna Lombardo T.T. Chang (Taiwan): Chang-Chi Chen Danang Pamungkas (Indonesia): Arif Budianto Macoba Dance Company (Japan): Hiroyoshi Takishima Fairul Zahid/ ASWARA (Malaysia): James Quah Modern Table Company (Korea): Mark Lam, Landal Kam

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RASAS : Traditional Dances from Asia

ESPLANADE OUTDOOR THEATRE Duration of each performance: 30mins

Javanese Court Dances

by Soerya Soemirat Mangkunegaran Royal Palace Indonesia

9 & 11 Oct, Fri & Sun, 7.30pm & 9pm 10 Oct, Sat, 6.30pm, 7.30pm & 9pm Immerse yourself in the elegance of the traditional dances from the royal courts of Java.

Accompanied by the mesmerising sounds of the gamelan, dancers from Solo’s Soerya Soemirat Mangkunegaran Royal Palace will present dances such as Gambyong Retno Kusumo, a dance that tells the coming-of-age story of a princess, and Bedhoyo Bedhah Madiun which is about a prince winning the hand of his chosen princess.

Special thanks to the Department of Southeast Asian Studies of National University of Singapore for the loan of the gamelan set for this Rasas performance.

Harao Seigonnabi

Divine Dances & Songs of Merrymaking

by Laihui Ensemble India

16 & 18 Oct, Fri & Sun, 7.30pm & 9pm 17 Oct, Sat, 6.30pm, 7.30pm & 9pm The Meitei community of Manipur in northeast India celebrates the annual festival of Lai Haraoba to please traditional and ancestral deities. In this presentation, Laihui Ensemble will perform a selection of dances from the festival such as Paosarol, a conversation about love and Lai Nupithiba about searching for God’s consort, with traditional music and songs from this unique community.

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Traditional Dances from Asia

FREE

Discover Asia’s rich and diverse dance heritage at RASAS, a free showcase of traditional dances from the region.

Journey to royal courts, ancient temples and mythical realms to discover the stories, myths and legends that are inseparably linked to the performing arts of this region.

The Concourse will feature intimate showcases accompanied by descriptions and explanations of the meanings behind each dance form, while the Outdoor Theatre will have epic dances performed by large ensembles accompanied by live music.

ESPLANADE CONCOURSE Duration of each performance: 30mins

Nora Dance Explored

Javanese Court Dances

9 & 11 Oct, Fri & Sun, 7.15pm & 8.30pm 10 Oct, Sat, 6pm, 7.15pm & 8.30pm

12 & 13 Oct, Mon & Tue 7.15pm & 8.15pm

Nora is a complex dance drama performed mostly in Southern Thailand and Northern Malaysia. The origins of Nora are steeped in legend and prominent around the Songkhla Lake where it has thrived for centuries. The dance has its own music traditions and its movement techniques have an undeniably magical character, drawing on influences from as far away as India and Sri Lanka.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see this ancient graceful ritual dance performed by one of the leading masters of the genre, Nora Thummanit Nikomrat.

Fresh from their performance in RASAS at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, the ensemble will perform traditional Javanese dances that originated from the royal courts of Java. Soak in the elegance of the dances whose movements have deep meaning and are at least a century old.

by Nora Thummanit Thaksin University Group Thailand

by Soerya Soemirat Mangkunegaran Royal Palace Indonesia

Special thanks to the Department of Southeast Asian Studies of National University of Singapore for the loan of the gamelan set for this Rasas performance.

Odissi Malay Court Dances

by Chowk Productions

by ASWARA Dance Company Malaysia

Singapore

16 & 18 Oct, Fri & Sun, 7.15pm & 8.30pm 17 Oct, Sat, 6pm, 7.15pm & 8.30pm

14 & 15 Oct, Wed & Thu 7.15 pm & 8.15pm

Classical Malay Court Dances were an important part of the entertainment for the royal households of northern states of Malaysia.

They were performed for court ceremonies and auspicious occasions like weddings and used to be performed primarily by ladies-in-waiting of the Court. These dances are characterised by exquisitely graceful movements. ASWARA Dance will be showcasing some of the more iconic court dances like Joget Gamelan, Asyik and Terinai.

Also happening RASAS talk and workshop. Refer to page 32 for details.

Originating from the temples of the East Indian state of Orissa dedicated to Lord Krishna, Odissi is an Indian classical dance form that dates back to the 1st century B.C. It is characterised by its fluid movements, intricate footwork and statuesque poses inspired by the sculptures in the ancient temples of Orissa.

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WHAT’S YOUR MOVE?

free

Dance in the moonlight and be swept off your feet under the stars at our What’s Your Move? party at the Esplanade waterfront. Skilled performers show you how it’s done before everyone in the crowd gets in on the action on our dance floor, learning fun beginner routines from professional instructors.

See how dance studios create their own modern takes of these classic dance styles and with three themed nights over two weekends, there’s a dance for everyone to enjoy. What’s more, we have a special Tango and Milonga party on the first Friday! Join us and boogie the night away by the bay!

Venue: Stage@Powerhouse (Esplanade Waterfront)

3O

FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

SUNDAY FUNDAY

What better way to stoke the flames of love than with some tantalising Tango and groovy Jazz? Embrace the moment as you and your partner dip and float through an elegant Waltz.

Burn up the dance floor with some sizzling Salsa and Bachata moves on the first weekend.

Turn it up a notch with some pumping music and high-energy dance styles like Hip Hop and K-Pop on the following weekend.

Cut loose and kick off your shoes! You don’t need to be in your Sunday best to enjoy our groovy party. With fun dances like Jive, Flamenco and Bollywood, these sessions are perfect for people of all ages.

9 OCT, FRI

10 OCT, SAT

11 OCT, SUN

Waltz

Salsa

Jive

by The DanceSport Academy

by ACTFA

by The DanceSport Academy

8 – 9pm

8 – 9pm

8 – 9pm

Tango 9.30 – 10.30pm

by ACTFA

Milonga 10.30pm onwards

16 OCT, FRI Lindy Hop

by Jazz Inc

8 – 9pm Charleston

by Jazz Inc

9.30 – 10.30pm

Bachata

Flamenco

by Flamenco Sin Fronteras

9.30 – 10.30pm

9.30 – 10.30pm

17 OCT, SAT

18 OCT, SUN

Hip Hop

Street Dance

8 – 9pm

8 – 9pm

by Danz People

K-Pop

by Jazz Inc

Bollywood

by Caius Coalition

by Bollybeatz

9.30 – 10.30pm

9.30 – 10.30pm

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WORKSHOPS & TALKS

RASAS Talk

Dances of the Javanese Court

by Rury Avianti Indonesia

10 Oct, SAT 4.30pm library@esplanade

FREE

1hr, no intermission

The courtly, refined and sophisticated nature of court dances from the kraton (Javanese for “royal palace”) of Surakarta is known the world over. Join choreographer and dancer Rury Avianti of Soerya Soemirat Mangkunegaran Royal Palace as she introduces the types and dance traditions of the Javanese court dances.

RASAS Workshop

Introduction to Traditional Javanese Dance Workshop

by Soerya Soemirat Mangkunegaran Royal Palace

Indonesia

11 Oct, SUN 11Am

$10

1hr 30mins, no intermission

Esplanade Rehearsal Studio From the intricate gestures to subtle head turns and graceful poses, the hypnotic quality of traditional Javanese dance have enthralled many the world over. Come join the dancers from the Soerya Soemirat Mangkunegaran Royal Palace from Surakarta, Central Java, as they share the beauty of Javanese choreography and the stories behind these complex dances and teach you some of the basic movements.

This workshop is suitable for people with no prior dance experience.

Comfortable clothing is advised, and participants may be asked to remove their shoes during the workshop.

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Don’t miss RASAS – Traditional dances from Asia from 9 – 18 Oct. Refer to page 28 & 29 for more details.

In conversation with

Sylvie Guillem France

15 Oct, THU 7.30pm Esplanade Concert Hall In her last year of her career as a dancer, Sylvie Guillem shares her experiences on and off the stage.

Sylvie Guillem is considered one of the greatest dancers the dance world has ever seen.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to gain an enlightening experience listening to Sylvie talk about Life in Progress, her reflections on her long and illustrious career, and her interests in life.

Photo by Gilles Tapie

She has been a dance force to be reckoned with for almost 40 years, and has played the role of principal dancer, muse, rebel and influencer of the modern day ballerina.

$15^

1hr, no intermission

$10 • Concessions for students, NSFs and seniors • Concessions for Sylvie Guillem – Life in Progress ticket holders • Esplanade & Me White & Black card

Don’t miss Sylvie Guillem - Life in Progress, 13 & 14 Oct, Tue & Wed, 8pm at Esplanade Theatre.

Refer to page 13 for details

More workshops & masterclasses to be announced soon Please visit www.dansfestival.com/workshops for details.

33

DA:NS FUN

FREE

FREE

Shall We Dance?

Picture This!

9 - 11 & 16 - 18 Oct, Fri - Sun 6.30 - 7.15pm 7.45 - 8.30pm

9 - 11 & 16 - 18 Oct Fri & Sat, 7 – 10pm Sun, 6 – 9pm

Various locations around Esplanade

Upper Concourse

Your free 5-minute dance lesson! Get into the spirit of the festival and pick up some nifty dance moves from our roving team of professional dancers.

All you have to do is choose from a selection of dance genres, and you’ll be on your way to a fun and simple dance lesson. Once you start, you won’t want to stop!

This is your time to shine! Strike a pose against our green screen and bring home a free memento. Show your friends your stunning photo at our da:ns festival facebook page (www.facebook.com/dansfestival).

dansfestival

In conjunction with da:ns fest D ance A ppreciation S eries

Introduction to Swan Lake

by Singapore Dance Theatre

11 Oct 2015, 4pm Esplanade Concert Hall

As a lead up to Singapore Dance Theatre’s 2015 season finale performance Swan Lake, we have condensed this classic into an hour-long special. Told through narration and dance excerpts, Introduction to Swan Lake is a ballet for young audiences.

$12 1hr, no intermission

34

www.esplanade.com/octoburst

BOOK NOW!

Recommended for children aged 2 and above.

No admission to infants-in-arms and children below 2 years old.

A programme of

FOOTWORK INTRODUCTORY DANCE CLASSES

da:ns invites you to discover the joy of movement! Look forward to fun-filled weekends that offer a range of introductory dance classes, conducted by professional instructors for all ages.

All classes are held at Esplanade Rehearsal Studio.

Basic workshops designed for youth, adults and senior citizens with little or no experience in dance.

29 Aug, Sat 2pm Swing 4pm Bollywood 6pm Bellydance

12 Sep, Sat 2pm Lyrical Hip Hop 4pm Jive *new* sold out 6pm Rumba

30 Aug, Sun 2pm Cha Cha Cha 4pm Flamenco 6pm Argentine Tango

13 Sep, Sun 2pm K-Pop MV Dance II 4pm Broadway Jazz sold out 6pm Viennese Waltz

5 Sep, Sat *new* 12pm Adult Ballet sold out 2pm Bhangra 4pm Brazilian Samba 6pm Argentine Tango II

25 Sep, Fri 7pm Electro Swing

11 Sep, Fri 7pm Salsa II 9pm Salsa Social

sold out

3 Oct, Sat 2pm Hip Hop II 4pm Lyrical Hip Hop II 6pm Brazilian Zouk *new* 4 Oct, Sun 2pm Contemporary 4pm Bollywood 6pm Bellydance

A great way for parents and kids aged 7-10 years old to bond and have lots of fun and laughter!

Share wonderful moments and have a delightful time learning nifty moves from these dance styles.

Specially for little ones aged 3–6 years old, this dance-play workshop brings little tots and their parents a fun-filled afternoon of whirling and twirling!

30 Aug, Sun 12pm Cha Cha Cha

29 Aug, Sat 10.30am Bollywood Baby sold out 12pm Swing Baby sold out

12 Sep, Sat 12pm Jazz

sold out

13 Sep, Sun 12pm Cha Cha Cha 4 Oct, Sun 12pm Hip Hop

sold out

30 Aug, Sun 10.30am Ballet Baby 5 Sep, Sat 10.30am Pop Baby

sold out

12 Sep, Sat 10.30am Bhangra Baby 13 Sep, Sun 10.30am Ballet Baby

(1hr 30mins, with breaks)

$14 per session

sold out

sold out

3 Oct, Sat 10.30am Pop Baby sold out 12pm Swing Baby sold out

Level II classes available for people with some experience in the dance style

4 Oct, Sun 10.30am Ballet Baby

SAVINGS PACKAGE 10% off

3 or more Youth & Adults workshops^ ^Not applicable for Date Night and Salsa Social (Suitable for patrons 14 years and above)

Ladies Night

Only for ladies 16 years and above

Date Night

Open to couples 18 years and above only. Tickets are sold in pairs ($28 per pair)

Salsa Social

$5 per participant

(1hr, with breaks)

(1hr, with breaks)

$24 for 1 adult and 1 child $36 for family of 3*

$24 for 1 adult and 1 child $36 for family of 3*

*Limited packages

*Limited packages

35

TICKETING & PROMOTION

BOOK NOW! www.dansfestival.com Tickets available at Esplanade Box Office: 6828 8389, SISTIC authorised agents and website. SISTIC hotline: 6348 5555. Terms and Conditions apply. Latecomers will only be admitted during intermission/ suitable breaks if any. No admission for infants-in-arm and children below six years old, unless otherwise stated. Tickets are required for all patrons. Please note that photographs and videos of patrons may be taken at this event for use in our archival and publicity material.

CONNECT WITH US

dansfestival #dansfestival

ESPLANADE & ME specials available.

Sign up now at www.esplanade.com to enjoy savings.

SCHOOL SPECIALS School Specials for Nederlands Dans Theater 2 - An Evening of Five Works, Tango Legends & TOROBAKA. $10 tickets for school bulk bookings of 10 students and above. Applicable only to Secondary schools, Junior Colleges, Polytechnics, ITEs, LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, School of the Arts and Singapore Sports School. Educators please contact Esplanade Box office at 6828 8389.

TOTE BOARD ARTS GRANT All Secondary Schools (Lower and Upper Sec), Junior Colleges / Centralised Institute & ITEs may use the Tote Board Arts Grant to subsidise up to 50% of the programme cost for Nederlands Dans Theater 2: An evening of five works.

All Secondary Schools (Upper Sec), Junior Colleges / Centralised Institute & ITEs may use the Tote Board Arts Grant to subsidise up to 50% of the programme cost for the following shows: Sylvie Guillem - Life in Progress, Tango Legends, TOROBAKA and Impulse: A backstage site-specific work.

All Junior Colleges / Centralised Institute & ITEs may use the Tote Board Arts Grant to subsidise up to 50% of the programme cost for the following shows: Cry Jailolo and SoftMachine.

36

We have a range of corporate and hosting packages available. You and your guests get to enjoy reserved performance tickets, first-class hospitality options, complimentary programme booklets and even a chance to meet the creative team behind the performance. For further information on corporate hospitality packages, please contact 6828 8366 or email venues@esplanade.com

GET INVOLVED

BE AN AMBASSADOR OF THE FESTIVAL!

“…I was able to reignite my passion in dance…

It was indeed heartwarming to see all the da:ns Kaki Ambassadors having fun and dancing with the public.”

- Mohamed Fadzeel

If you love dancing, meeting new people and want to get more involved in the festival, come join us a da:ns Kaki Ambassador! An exciting and rare opportunity, you will work directly with our festival team and artists, learn a variety of dance styles and meet new people whom you can share your love for dance with. In addition, you will get to see what goes on behind the scenes of the da:ns festival, receive free training, a free official festival tee, an invitation to our annual appreciation party and other festival mementos only available to the da:ns Kaki Ambassadors!

Closing date for da:ns Kaki Ambassador registration: 14 Sep 2015

BE ON OUR MAILING LIST Want to be kept up to date with the latest festival news? Join our mailing list and get festival updates sent directly to your inbox.

Sign up today at www.dansfestival.com 38

1

Esplanade Theatre | Centrestage An adaptation of the traditional horseshoe-shaped theatre, it provides an intimate setting for all inside.

3

Concourse | RASAS performances Daily free RASAS performancedemonstrations in Esplanade’s centrally located performance and visual arts space.

4 5

Esplanade Concert Hall | Centrestage Esplanade’s crown jewel and one of the world’s 15 most beautiful concert halls.

8

library@esplanade | Talks Free up close and personal artist sharing sessions in Singapore’s only performing arts public library.

11

Esplanade Stage Door Mezzanine Level | Meeting point for Impulse Exit the glass doors at either side of the Esplanade Box Office and head to your right. The Stage Door is located at the end of the corridor.

1

Theatre

5

Concert Hall

2

Theatre Studio

6

Outdoor Theatre

3

Concourse

7

Rehearsal Studio

4

Recital Studio

8

Library@esplanade

9

Esplanade Mall

10

STAGE@POWERHOUSE

11

Stage Door Mezzanine Level

12

Festival Corner

9

2 3

11

12 5

Esplanade Theatre Studio | SHIFT A highly adaptable black box space for experimental dance presentations.

7

1

Esplanade Recital Studio | The Next Generation & Asia Pacific Dance Bridge A fan-shaped space that is an ideal setting for intimate performances.

2

FESTIVAL VENUES

what’s on where?

8 4 10 6

6

Outdoor Theatre | RASAS performances Enjoy free RASAS dance performances under a starlit sky.

9

Esplanade Mall Offering over 34 restaurant and retail options, Esplanade Mall provides much-needed respite for festival-goers requiring sustenance.

7

Esplanade Rehearsal Studio | Workshops & Masterclasses Designed for dance rehearsals, pre-performance warm-up sessions, masterclasses and workshops.

10 12

STAGE@POWERHOUSE | What’s Your Move?

A gleaming white stage and public dance area located next to Makansutra along the waterfront.

Festival Corner A new space within the centre, the Festival Corner hosts a dance resource and an exhibition celebrating 10 years of da:ns festival.

39

da : ns festival 2 O 1 5 calendar

CENTRESTAGE

9 OCT FRI

1O OCT SAT

11 OCT SUN

12 OCT MON

TANGO LEGENDS

NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER 2

BY MARIELA MALDONADO AND PABLO SOSA

AN EVENING OF FIVE WORKS

9 & 10 Oct 7.30pm

9 & 10 Oct 8pm

ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

ESPLANADE THEATRE

IMPULSE

四十不惑

by Kim Jae Duk & T.H.E Dance Company

by Kuik Swee Boon, Silvia Yong, Jeffrey Tan & Albert Tiong

10 Oct, 8.30pm 11 OCT, 8pm

9 & 16 OCT, 7.30pm & 10.30PM 10 & 17 OCT, 3PM & 9pm 11 & 18 OCT, 3PM & 7pm

ESPLANADE THEATRE STUDIO

ESPLANADE BACKSTAGE

RASAS

NEXT GENERATION

SHIFT

ABOVE 4O

FREE

13 OCT TUE

THE NEXT GENERATION

by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts & LASALLE College of the Arts

15 & 16 OCT, 7.30pm 17 OCT, 2PM ESPLANADE RECITAL STUDIO

NORA DANCE EXPLORED

JAVANESE COURT DANCES

by Nora Thummanit Thaksin University Group

by Soerya Soemirat Mangkunegaran Royal Palace OUTDOOR THEATRE

9 & 11 Oct, 7.15pm & 8.30PM 10 OCT, 6PM, 7.15pm & 8.30PM

9 & 11 Oct, 7.30pm & 9PM 10 OCT, 6.30PM, 7.30pm & 9PM

CONCOURSE

CONCOURSE

WHAT’S YOUR MOVE?

FREE

12 & 13 Oct, 7.15pm & 8.15PM

FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE

WALTZ

by The DanceSport Academy

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

SALSA

by ACTFA

SUNDAY FUNDAY

JIVE

by The DanceSport Academy

9 Oct, 8PM

10 Oct, 8PM

11 Oct, 8PM

9 Oct, 9.30PM

10 Oct, 9.30PM

11 Oct, 9.30PM

STAGE@POWERHOUSE

STAGE@POWERHOUSE

Tango

MILONGA

BACHATA by ACTFA

FLAMENCO by FLAMENCO SIN FRONTERAS

9 Oct, 10.30PM

DA:NS FUN WORKSHOPS & TALKS

FREE

STAGE@POWERHOUSE

4O

PICTURE THIS!

9 & 10 Oct, 7PM 11 OCT, 6PM UPPER CONCOURSE

SHALL WE DANCE?

9 - 11 Oct, 6.30PM & 7.45PM VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND ESPLANADE

DANCES OF THE JAVANESE COURT

by Rury Avianti

10 Oct, 4.30PM library@esplanade

FREE

introduction to traditional javanese dance workshop

by Soerya Soemirat Mangkunegaran Royal Palace

11 Oct, 11aM esplanade rehearsal studio

14 14OCT, OCTTUE WED

15 OCT, WED THU 16 OCT, 15 OCT 16THU OCT

FRI

17 OCT,17 FRIOCT

18 SAT

OCT, SAT OCT, SUN 18 OCT19 SUN

TOROBAKA

SYLVIE GUILLEM

LIFE IN PROGRESS

BY Akram Khan and Israel Galván

13 & 14 Oct 8pm

16 & 17 Oct 8pm

ESPLANADE THEATRE

ESPLANADE THEATRE

CRY JAILOLO

SOFTMACHINE

by Eko Supriyanto

14 & 15 Oct 8pm

by CHOY KA FAI

17 & 18 Oct 3PM & 8pm

ESPLANADE THEATRE STUDIO

World Dance Alliance Singapore

ESPLANADE THEATRE STUDIO

ASIA PACIFIC DANCE BRIDGE

by MACOBA Dance Company, Fairul Zahid/ASWARA, Modern Table CompanY, T.T.C Dance, Frontier Danceland, Danang Pamungkas and Yvonne Ng

18 Oct, 6pm ESPLANADE RECITAL STUDIO

ODISSI

MALAY COURT DANCES

Harao Seigonnabi

by ASWARA Dance Company

Divine Dances & Songs of Merrymaking

by Laihui Ensemble

14 & 15 Oct, 7.15pm & 8.15PM

16 & 18 Oct, 7.15pm & 8.30PM 17 OCT, 6PM, 7.15pm & 8.30PM

16 & 18 Oct, 7.30pm & 9PM 17 OCT, 6.30PM, 7.30pm & 9PM

CONCOURSE

CONCOURSE

OUTDOOR THEATRE

by Chowk Productions

FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE

LINDY HOP

by JAZZ INC

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

SUNDAY FUNDAY

16 Oct, 8PM

HIP HOP

by DANZ PEOPLE

by JAZZ INC

17 Oct, 8PM

18 Oct, 8PM

16 Oct, 9.30PM

17 Oct, 9.30PM

18 Oct, 9.30PM

STAGE@POWERHOUSE

STAGE@POWERHOUSE

STAGE@POWERHOUSE

CHARLESTON

by JAZZ INC

PICTURE THIS!

16 & 17 Oct, 7PM 18 OCT, 6PM UPPER CONCOURSE

K-POP

by CAIUS COALITION

STREET DANCE BOLLYWOOD

by BOLLYBEATZ

SHALL WE DANCE?

16 - 18 Oct, 6.30PM & 7.45PM VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND ESPLANADE

IN CONVERSATION WITH SYLVIE GUILLEM

15 Oct, 7.30PM

esplanade concert hall

41

DA:NS TURNS

Esplanade Presents

Enjoy an entertaining, engaging and inspiring arts experience with us at our diverse programmes throughout the year as we celebrate our 50th year of nationhood. Join us in expressing who we are through the arts and collect limited edition Esplanade SG50 magnets at selected Esplanade Presents festivals or series throughout 2015.

Get your free da:ns festival magnet during the festival by showing us your ticket stub or a photo of yourself at a da:ns festival free programme.

Visit www.esplanade.com/sg50 for more details.

www.esplanade.com UEN: 199205206G Information correct at time of print.

EsplanadeSG

EsplanadeSingapore #esplanade

Esplanade &Me

Be Involved. Be Engaged. Be Entertained.

Discover the joy of dance.

It’s more than a card for arts lovers; it’s your pass to experience the arts, go behind the scenes and a way to support the arts.

31 Dec 2016

31 Dec 2016

Sign up now to get your card! www.esplanade.com

www.esplanade.com

EsplanadeSG

EsplanadeSingapore #esplanade

UEN: 199205206G Information correct at time of print.

www.dansfestival.com