Philip Boyd - Dance For All, said:
"I would like to congratulate you all on the most wonderfull performance you did in your new production iHaw' Elisha on Saturday 4th Sept.
The whole production was such a fascinating journey artistically, choreographically, emotionally, and theatrically. This performance had such intensity, integrity, commitment and a performance quality that I will never forget. I left the theatre on Sat night feeling so inspired by this production and the high standard of work technically and artistically. I see such growth in the dancers technique that is very exciting for the future of dance and what an inspiration this is for so many to follow.
It is a must see production and every dance lover should see this masterpiece.
I was so proud of you all with our home grown talent we have in Cape Town.
Many congratulations to you all and thank you one and all.
I wish you the very best for the rest of the season.
Warm regards
Phil x "
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Award-winning choreographer creates new work for Jazzart
The premiere of an exciting new Jazzart Dance Theatre production, iHaw’ Elisha, is set to electrify Cape Town audiences when it is staged at Artscape Theatre from September 3 until September 12.
Originally commissioned for the 2010 FNB Dance Umbrella by award-winning South African choreographer, Sbonakaliso Ndaba, iHaw’ Elisha first appeared as a work-in-progress under the title of 1st Draught. It received a rapturous reception from critics and audiences during its first incarnation at the Dance Umbrella earlier this year and was praised as ‘powerful’, ‘striking’ and ‘hypnotic’.
Ndaba explains that although there is no narrative, audiences will resonate with the premise behind her new work which is to trace the chess game of life. “You will find images of chess all over the piece, as I look at life always as being orchestrated by someone or something above us all. If you are familiar with the game you will understand that that every move triggers another move, and ultimately affects every piece on the board.”
“My intention is to reveal our common humanity and play it back in glimpses. It explores our ways of seeing and doing as well as our gestures, our natures, our vices and virtues. The Jazzart dancers, who are as renowned for their powerful physicality, as much as for their soulful interpretation, rise to the occasion. “They do a magnificent job in peeling off the outside layers, to leave themselves bare in the real world – tender, exposed and beautiful,” she adds.
She is excited about the new dance vocabulary that she and her dancers have developed and believes that living and dancing in present day South Africa is central to interpreting our lived experience into new movements that will resonate with local audiences.
A new musical score by BLK Sonshine’s Neo Muyanga has been specially commissioned for the Artscape season. Ndaba is thrilled to be collaborating with one of the country’s foremost musicians and believes his soundtrack will help accentuate the textures in both the choreography and the emotional aspects of the piece. “Neo’s music will also be the homemade spice we add in our pot,” she grins.
Ndaba established her professional career with Jazzart Dance Theatre as a performer, dancer and teacher from 1994 until she returned to Durban to re-establish Phenduka Dance Theatre in 2001. Her innovative approach to dance has seen her win several prestigious choreographic awards, including the 2000 FNB Vita Award for Most Promising Choreographer, the 2003 DaimlerChrysler Award for South African Choreography and the 2005 KwaZulu-Natal Dance Link Award for Best Choreographer.
Her recent engagements include choreographing the opening ceremony for the Harare International Festival of the Arts, Aida for Cape Town Opera, and Poet and Prophetess for Norrlands Operan which premiered in Umea, Sweden.
Ndaba compares choreography to completing puzzles. “It is similar to the journey you take when putting puzzles together to form a picture. You experience frustration when you don’t find a piece that fits, but then you start looking at those pieces with a different eye.”
“In choreography the difference is that the pieces are all the same colour from the beginning. There is no picture yet and it is your job to start painting the picture and cut the pieces into a shape so that they fit when they stand next to each other. At the start of the process you don’t know where you are going, so the end result is a mystery – but that is the interesting part!” she exclaims.
“The more I move people around, the more my work starts to make some sense and the picture becomes more and more clearly visible. Immediately the work starts to say something and I just follow that journey. It is at the challenging times that I find inspiration.”
Tickets are R50 and bookings can be made through Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-seat, 021 421 7695.
iHaw’ Elisha is supported by: National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, ARTSCAPE, National Arts Council, Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, GrandWest Cape Culture and Heritage Foundation, British Council, The Lorenzo & Stella Chiappini Charitable Trust, Rand Merchant Bank, Distell, City of Cape Town.
Production information
Choreographed by: Sbonakaliso Ndaba
Music by: Neo Muyanga
Venue: Artscape Theatre
Dates:
Fri 3 Sept – 20h15
Sat 4 Sept – 15h00
Sat 4 Sept – 20h15
Sun 5 Sept – 18h00
Thurs 9 Sept – 20h15
Fri 10 Sept – 20h15
Sat 11 Sept – 15h00
Sat 11 Sept – 20h15
Sun 12 Sept – 18h00
Ticket price:
R50 throughout, but R20 per ticket for block booking of 20 or more.
Originally commissioned for the 2010 FNB Dance Umbrella by award-winning South African choreographer, Sbonakaliso Ndaba, iHaw’ Elisha first appeared as a work-in-progress under the title of 1st Draught. It received a rapturous reception from critics and audiences during its first incarnation at the Dance Umbrella earlier this year and was praised as ‘powerful’, ‘striking’ and ‘hypnotic’.
Ndaba explains that although there is no narrative, audiences will resonate with the premise behind her new work which is to trace the chess game of life. “You will find images of chess all over the piece, as I look at life always as being orchestrated by someone or something above us all. If you are familiar with the game you will understand that that every move triggers another move, and ultimately affects every piece on the board.”
“My intention is to reveal our common humanity and play it back in glimpses. It explores our ways of seeing and doing as well as our gestures, our natures, our vices and virtues. The Jazzart dancers, who are as renowned for their powerful physicality, as much as for their soulful interpretation, rise to the occasion. “They do a magnificent job in peeling off the outside layers, to leave themselves bare in the real world – tender, exposed and beautiful,” she adds.
She is excited about the new dance vocabulary that she and her dancers have developed and believes that living and dancing in present day South Africa is central to interpreting our lived experience into new movements that will resonate with local audiences.
A new musical score by BLK Sonshine’s Neo Muyanga has been specially commissioned for the Artscape season. Ndaba is thrilled to be collaborating with one of the country’s foremost musicians and believes his soundtrack will help accentuate the textures in both the choreography and the emotional aspects of the piece. “Neo’s music will also be the homemade spice we add in our pot,” she grins.
Ndaba established her professional career with Jazzart Dance Theatre as a performer, dancer and teacher from 1994 until she returned to Durban to re-establish Phenduka Dance Theatre in 2001. Her innovative approach to dance has seen her win several prestigious choreographic awards, including the 2000 FNB Vita Award for Most Promising Choreographer, the 2003 DaimlerChrysler Award for South African Choreography and the 2005 KwaZulu-Natal Dance Link Award for Best Choreographer.
Her recent engagements include choreographing the opening ceremony for the Harare International Festival of the Arts, Aida for Cape Town Opera, and Poet and Prophetess for Norrlands Operan which premiered in Umea, Sweden.
Ndaba compares choreography to completing puzzles. “It is similar to the journey you take when putting puzzles together to form a picture. You experience frustration when you don’t find a piece that fits, but then you start looking at those pieces with a different eye.”
“In choreography the difference is that the pieces are all the same colour from the beginning. There is no picture yet and it is your job to start painting the picture and cut the pieces into a shape so that they fit when they stand next to each other. At the start of the process you don’t know where you are going, so the end result is a mystery – but that is the interesting part!” she exclaims.
“The more I move people around, the more my work starts to make some sense and the picture becomes more and more clearly visible. Immediately the work starts to say something and I just follow that journey. It is at the challenging times that I find inspiration.”
Tickets are R50 and bookings can be made through Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-seat, 021 421 7695.
iHaw’ Elisha is supported by: National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, ARTSCAPE, National Arts Council, Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, GrandWest Cape Culture and Heritage Foundation, British Council, The Lorenzo & Stella Chiappini Charitable Trust, Rand Merchant Bank, Distell, City of Cape Town.
Production information
Choreographed by: Sbonakaliso Ndaba
Music by: Neo Muyanga
Venue: Artscape Theatre
Dates:
Fri 3 Sept – 20h15
Sat 4 Sept – 15h00
Sat 4 Sept – 20h15
Sun 5 Sept – 18h00
Thurs 9 Sept – 20h15
Fri 10 Sept – 20h15
Sat 11 Sept – 15h00
Sat 11 Sept – 20h15
Sun 12 Sept – 18h00
Ticket price:
R50 throughout, but R20 per ticket for block booking of 20 or more.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Fan's blog post
See what this blogger posted about Danscape:
http://andrewlouw.posterous.com/cult-gathering-in-the-cbd-no-danscape-at-the
http://andrewlouw.posterous.com/cult-gathering-in-the-cbd-no-danscape-at-the
Danscape review
The Jazzart Dance Theatre - Review
Written by: Daphne Jubber 28/07/2010
The Jazzart Dance Theatre last week hosted their annual bursary fund-raiser at the Artscape Theatre and I attended their opening night in the company of an American dancer.
She asked whether the theatre was new in Cape Town—my reply about its previous name and history brought home to me just how much the place had evolved—from the Nico Malan, boycotted by much of our population, to its present status in the forefront of promoting the arts and showcasing the talents of all….and also to the mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship between Jazzart and the theatre. We need to thank the foresight of the management of Jazzart and of the theatre when the decision was taken to move Jazzart into the theatre complex—a physical proximity which has generated such fruitful artistic collaboration…
The Jazzart Company gave us ample evidence of just how well they can utilise the venue by starting the evening with a performance staged on the front stairs outside the complex—a perfect setting for the cast to play with fire and its effects and to involve dancers ranged on the steps and amongst the audience. We then followed them and their lanterns into the theatre and settled down to watch an evening of dance provided by the various off-shoots and development programs spawned by the mother company. Just how prolific the “mother” has been is evident by the list of these with the names of the items performed and of the choreographers, mostly all trained by Jazzart.
Jazzart’s Young Adult Training and Job Creation Programme: “Ukushaya” (Ananda Fuchs) and “Ngafa” (Sbonakaliso Ndaba)
Nyanga Arts Development Centre: A piece showing what they have learnt this year. (Wendy Thoane)
CYDC 34-18 and Tercia Kindo Arts Project: “Empty Thoughts” (Gordon Andries and Myziyanda Mancam)
Wynberg Senior Secondary School: “Limited Space” (Douglas Griffiths)
Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre from Durban: “Human Ladder” Neliswa Rushualang)
Jazzart Dance Theatre’s professional company. “Iqiniso” (A collaboration)
Also included in the programme were two members of the Zip Zap Circus who performed impressive aerial choreography on red silks and the Vadhini Indian Arts Academy and Jikeleza Dance Project who brought their seemingly disparate choreographic backgrounds together with an innovative collaboration of styles in “Divinity” by Ina Wichterich-Mogane.
The whole evening was linked together by a pint-sized MC whose confidence belied his age and who was ably assisted by a Jazzart trainee. They had the pleasure of announcing the names of the recipients of the bursaries: for artistic excellence, academic excellence, triumph over adversity and two for the most promising students.
The funds raised by DANSCAPE all go to the Jazzart Bursary Fund which gives much needed financial support to young people who wish to pursue a career in the arts.
My American companion remarked at the vitality of all the dancers—with no exception, every one of them gave full energy and made the most of this fabulous opportunity to dance on the Artscape stage. They also performed with passion and a feeling from within—something which my friend said can be something sorely lacking in some dancers who may have perfect bodies and precise technique but whose performance can lack soul.
However having said that--some of the numbers did get slightly repetitive and more could have been made of patterning and formation. There is much that can be done within the contemporary genre and though some numbers did show innovative juxtapositions of styles, perhaps training in other dance forms and techniques would stand these young dancers in good stead if they are pursuing a career in the arts.
The laudable work of Jazzart and its development programs is highly deserving. May they go from strength to strength.
DanceDirectory & Jazzart Competition Ticket Winner had this to say..."The show was fantastic!!!! Will make sure we go again next year. Thank you." - Annalene Kemp
Visit DanceDirectory regularly for the latest dance news and information on dance events worldwide.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Press release
Jazzart’s dance showcase celebrates South African talent
Jazzart Dance Theatre and some of South Africa’s most talented dancers provide another good reason to celebrate being South African this July.
As World Cup fever fades Jazzart’s annual dance showcase Danscape promises to lift audiences’ spirits with a feast of diverse dance styles when it is staged at Artscape from 22 – 25 July.
Contemporary, African and Indian dance genres will be performed and also fused together in works performed by youth arts organisations under the direction of Jackie Manyaapelo, Jazzart’s artistic director.
Danscape 2010 will feature the artistry of Durban-based Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, CAFDA Youth Dance Company, Tertia Kindo Arts Project, Jikeleza Dance Project and Vadhini Indian Arts Academy, as well as dancers from Western Cape Education Departments Arts and Culture Focus Schools. The Jazzart company and trainee dancers will also perform new works, while Zip Zap Circus has also helped some dancers incorporate circus art into their repertoire.
Manyaapelo believes Danscape 2010 is a great example of how South African artists can contribute to the process of nation-building. “Dance is one of the most profound ways of initiating healing and growth, as it takes what is great from all the strands of our cultural heritage and weaves them together into a distinctly South African art form,” she says.
“The 2010 season will offer audiences a taste of the future, and will show how far down the road we are in the process of nation-building and of creating dance that honours our collective cultural heritage.”
“On a more personal level, the montage of dance works is a homage to the contributions of all those who have guided Jazzart on its journey to this point, and to all those unsung dance ‘heroes’ who have worked so passionately at a community level to pass on a love and appreciation of dance to young South Africans,” adds Manyaapelo.
Danscape 2010 will be staged at the Artscape Theatre from Thursday, July 22 until Sunday, July 25. There will be shows nightly at 20h15 from July 22 – 24, with a 15h00 matinee on July 24. The final show will take place on Sunday, July 25 at 18h00.
Tickets are R50, or R20 for block bookings of 20 tickets or more.
Bookings can be made through Computicket or Artscape’s Dial-a-Seat on tel. 021-421-7695. For further information visit www.jazzart.co.za
Danscape 2010 is kindly supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, ARTSCAPE, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Distell, GrandWest Cape Culture and Heritage Foundation, National Arts Council, Chiappini Charitable Trust, Debbie Goodman Bursary Fund, Sello Leshope and patrons of Jazzart’s “Adopt-a-Dancer” programme.
Jazzart Dance Theatre and some of South Africa’s most talented dancers provide another good reason to celebrate being South African this July.
As World Cup fever fades Jazzart’s annual dance showcase Danscape promises to lift audiences’ spirits with a feast of diverse dance styles when it is staged at Artscape from 22 – 25 July.
Contemporary, African and Indian dance genres will be performed and also fused together in works performed by youth arts organisations under the direction of Jackie Manyaapelo, Jazzart’s artistic director.
Danscape 2010 will feature the artistry of Durban-based Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, CAFDA Youth Dance Company, Tertia Kindo Arts Project, Jikeleza Dance Project and Vadhini Indian Arts Academy, as well as dancers from Western Cape Education Departments Arts and Culture Focus Schools. The Jazzart company and trainee dancers will also perform new works, while Zip Zap Circus has also helped some dancers incorporate circus art into their repertoire.
Manyaapelo believes Danscape 2010 is a great example of how South African artists can contribute to the process of nation-building. “Dance is one of the most profound ways of initiating healing and growth, as it takes what is great from all the strands of our cultural heritage and weaves them together into a distinctly South African art form,” she says.
“The 2010 season will offer audiences a taste of the future, and will show how far down the road we are in the process of nation-building and of creating dance that honours our collective cultural heritage.”
“On a more personal level, the montage of dance works is a homage to the contributions of all those who have guided Jazzart on its journey to this point, and to all those unsung dance ‘heroes’ who have worked so passionately at a community level to pass on a love and appreciation of dance to young South Africans,” adds Manyaapelo.
Danscape 2010 will be staged at the Artscape Theatre from Thursday, July 22 until Sunday, July 25. There will be shows nightly at 20h15 from July 22 – 24, with a 15h00 matinee on July 24. The final show will take place on Sunday, July 25 at 18h00.
Tickets are R50, or R20 for block bookings of 20 tickets or more.
Bookings can be made through Computicket or Artscape’s Dial-a-Seat on tel. 021-421-7695. For further information visit www.jazzart.co.za
Danscape 2010 is kindly supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, ARTSCAPE, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Distell, GrandWest Cape Culture and Heritage Foundation, National Arts Council, Chiappini Charitable Trust, Debbie Goodman Bursary Fund, Sello Leshope and patrons of Jazzart’s “Adopt-a-Dancer” programme.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
DANSCAPE 2010
Jazzart Dance Theatre this year plays host to youth arts organisations which have been integral to the enduring success of DANSCAPE since it began in 1999. The Jazzart team, in conjunction with these young artists, will create a montage of works that celebrate their contributions, and the contributions of all those who have guided Jazzart on its journey to this point.Directed by Jacqueline Manyaapelo and featuring CYDC 34/18, Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, Tercia Kindo Arts Project, Jikeleza Dance Project, Vadhini Indian Arts Academy, and WCED Arts and Culture Focus Schools, Danscape 2010 will offer a taste of the future wonder she will inspire with the living legacy that is Jazzart Dance Theatre.
Supported by National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, ARTSCAPE, Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport, Distell, GrandWest Cape Culture & Heritage Foundation, National Arts Council, Rand Merchant Bank, British Council, Chiappini Charitable Trust, Debbie Goodman Bursary Fund, Sello Leshope and Jazzart Adopt-a-Dancer patrons.
Venue:
Artscape Theatre
Dates:
Thursday 22 July – 20h15
Friday 23 July – 20h15
Saturday 24 July – 15h00
Saturday 24 July – 20h15
Sunday 25 July – 18h00
Ticket price:
R50 throughout
R20 per ticket for block booking of 20 or more
Bookings can be made at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695
Friday, May 21, 2010
Jazzart Company share some magic at the KKNK
Jazzart Dance Theatre company dancers recently performed a piece called “GROND”, choreographed by resident choreographer Sbonakaliso Ndaba, at the annual Klein Karoo Kunstefees in Oudtschoorn.The show received packed audiences every night, and they loved it, including the school kids who attended the last performance. The audience sat through the performance even though it started raining! Quite an impression was made…
A quote from the Dutch Ambassador’s wife: “It was beautiful and I have never seen anything like it before.”
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