Applications Now Open for 2016 Baxter Dance Festival

Following the unprecedented success of the Baxter Dance Festival last year, where close to 80 choreographers presented their work, the organisers are calling for applications from dance studios, schools, companies, groups and independent dance-makers, as well as proposals from choreographers, for the 2016 edition of the festival, which will take place from 6 - 15 October this year.

The Baxter Dance Festival comprises three programmes, the Main Programme, consisting of invited and commissioned works as well as work by established professional choreographers and companies, the Off-Main Programme, which showcases work by up-and-coming choreographers, including student work, and the Fringe Programme, which includes work by youth groups, dance schools, school groups, traditional dance groups and others.

The running time for proposed dance works is limited, depending on the number of performers: solos, duets or trios may perform for ten minutes on the Main and Off-Main Programmes and three minutes on the Fringe Programme, while quartets and bigger ensembles may for 20 minutes on the Main Programme, ten minutes on the Off-Main Programme and seven minutes on the Fringe Programme.

The festival aims to provide established and emerging dance companies and choreographers with an opportunity to present their work, whilst striving to nurture and promote the diverse dance talent in the Western Cape. The Baxter Theatre Centre provides a comprehensive production package to participants, which includes lighting, sound, technical assistance, publicity, box office facilities, printed programmes and pre-show rehearsal arrangements, making it a hassle-free experience for participating dance groups and companies.

Despite limited funding, the festival has grown exponentially over the years and has also become a must-see on the city's events calendar for dance lovers. It is widely regarded as the premier dance event of its kind and it has become an annual not-to-be-missed platform by studios, companies and choreographers. 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 in 2004 over 500 local choreographers have presented their work in the festival, featuring some 4 000 dancers from more than 400 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.

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) and Steven van Wyk and Thalia Laric in 2014. There were no commissioned works in 2013 and 2015. All these choreographers have continued to make their mark in the world of dance, both locally and abroad.

Application forms are available at the reception desk in the main foyer at the Baxter Theatre Centre, online at the Baxter's website or Facebook page and via email. Choreographers may submit their applications by return email or hand deliver them to the Baxter Theatre Centre, marked clearly for the attention of Nicolette Moses, the artistic director of the Baxter Dance Festival. Where possible, applications should offer the opportunity to see work in rehearsal or on video, to assist in the selection of programmed items for the festival. The closing date for applications to participate in this year's event is 24 June at 17:00 and choreographers are strongly encouraged to send in their submissions as early as possible.