Cape Town International Dance Festival begins

From the 28 November to 3 December, evening performances showcase dance companies from the US, Spain, China, Finland, Mozambique, and South Africa, while on the 29th, dance enthusiasts are invited to join The Maboneng Township Arts Experience Festival. This full-day creative and cultural encounter, featuring six local and six international companies, will turn homes and outdoor spaces in Gugulethu into performance districts.

Executive Director and Co-Founder of iKapa Dance, and the festival's artistic director, Theo Ndindwa, said: "We look forward to introducing audiences to some of the contemporary dance world's most compelling companies and artists."

The internationally renowned companies include, among others:

• Battery Dance Company: An integral part of the fabric of New York City, the Battery Dance Company is dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence and making the arts accessible to all. It has produced nearly 100 original dance works in the 35 years of its existence, with its repertoire revealing a wide thematic and stylistic range, reflecting American society and its multiplicity of cultures. Featured works: Observatory at Cultures Connect, Migration Stage and Dance 4 Health, Terra & Astra at Melting Pot, Dancing to Connect at Mobility Stage;

• Entomo EA&AE: This collaboration between two internationally acclaimed and awarded Spanish artists, Elías Aguirre and Álvaro Esteban, offers thought-provoking performances which raise philosophical and existential questions. Featured works: Entomo at Migration Stage, Heritage Stage, and Dance 4 Health;

• Pori Dance Company: Founded in 1989, this Finnish company exists to further humane values and increase tolerance through dance. Its repertoire includes works from well-known choreographers such as Tero Saarinen, Jorma Uotinen, Frank Chaves and Marjo Kuusela. Featured works: Wanha at Cultures Connect, Migration Stage, Dance 4 Life and Melting Pot;

• Jin Xing Dance Theatre: Established in 1999 as the first private modern dance ensemble in China, the Jin Xing Dance Theatre has, under the leadership of artistic director and choreographer Jin Xing, performed at numerous international art and dance festivals. Featured works: Black & Red at Cultures Connect and Migration Stage, Trinity at China to Africa.

For the full programme of events, go to www.ikapadancetheatre.co.za. Tickets are available through Computicket.