Applications Now Open For 2017 Baxter Dance Festival

The annual Baxter Dance Festival will take place from 5 - 14 October and choreographers, independent dance-makers, dance studios, schools, companies and groups, are now invited to apply to be part of this year's programme. Applications close at noon on 23 June, so performers are urged to get their applications in as early as possible.

The 2017 Baxter Dance Festival consists of the Main Programme which will include invited and commissioned works, as well as work by established professional choreographers and companies and runs for the entire festival. The Off-Main Programme on 7 October will showcase the work of up-and-coming choreographers, including student work, and the Fringe Programme on 15 October will include work by youth groups, dance schools, school groups, traditional dance groups and others.

The Baxter Dance Festival aims to create opportunities for emergent and recognised dance companies and choreographers to present their work while nurturing and promoting the diverse dance talent in the Western Cape. The festival is the premier dance event of its kind in the Western Cape and has become a must-see platform for studios, companies, choreographers and dance enthusiasts. Notwithstanding its limited funding, the festival continues to grow significantly every year, making it the ideal festival to experience the diversity and enormous dance talent in the province.

The Baxter Theatre Centre provides a comprehensive production package to participants, including lighting, sound, technical assistance, publicity, box office facilities, printed programmes and pre-show rehearsal arrangements, making it an efficient experience for contributing dance groups and companies.

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), Carolyn Holden from La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre (2010), Grant van Ster (2011), Ananda Fuchs (2012), Steven van Wyk and Thalia Laric (2014) and Louise Coetzer of Darkroom Contemporary (2016). These choreographers have continued to make their mark in the world of dance, both locally and abroad.

Since its inception in 2004, more than 500 local choreographers have showcased their work at the festival, featuring some 4 000 dancers from more than 400 studios, dance schools, projects and professional companies from across the Western Cape, presenting an array of dance styles and genres including contemporary, classical, African, modern and Spanish.

Application forms are available from the Baxter Theatre's website, the Baxter Theatre's Facebook page or from the Baxter Theatre's reception desk in the main foyer. Forms can also be obtained from and should be sent to Nicolette Moses, the artistic director of the Baxter Dance Festival by email. Only electronic applications will be accepted. All applications must be received by 12:00 on 23 June 2017.