Baxter Dance Festival Seeks Dancers for Commissioned Work by Themba Mbuli

The annual Baxter Dance Festival will take place from 5 to 14 October this year. Each year, the Baxter invites choreographers and dance-makers to apply for the commissioned work. This year the Baxter is shaking things up by inviting individual dancers to audition to be part of the commissioned work with the acclaimed choreographer, dancer and teacher, Themba Mbuli.

Mbuli is the 2016 Standard Bank Young Award recipient and has been performing for 17 years, graduating with a certificate in performing arts in 2017. Mbuli is a co-founder - together with Fana Tshabalala and Thulani Chauke - and the associate artistic manager of the Broken Borders Arts Project. He is also a co-founder of the Unmute Dance Company, for which he also serves as choreographer and artistic director. Unmute was formed in 2014 to help pioneer integrated dance in South Africa, using the arts to inspire the inclusion of people with disabilities in society.

Nicolette Moses, Artistic Director of the Baxter Dance Festival said:

I approached Themba because of his talent and commitment. I have been following Themba's work for the past 8 years and have worked closely with him on the Swedish collaboration ADAGIO FOR A HACKED LIFE. This new direction of approaching a choreographer for the commissioned work presents the perfect opportunity to see Themba's work outside of his comfort zone, presenting him with a new challenge and an exciting direction for the Baxter.

Four dancers will have the chance to work with one of South Africa's most promising choreographers. Auditions for professional, contemporary dance-trained dancers will take place on 29 June from 10:30 in the Studio Rehearsal Room of the Baxter Theatre Centre. Dancers should be available between the 28 August and 14 October 2017 for a fixed term contract. For further information or to confirm and audition slot, contact Nicolette Moses by email or by phone on 021 680 3964.