Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

It is time once again for young choreographers to get funding and other support structures through the FNB Dance Umbrella residency programme for young choreographers.

The FNB Dance Umbrella Festival takes place from February 16 to March 15, and young choreographers who would like to be part of the residency programme have until January 18 to apply.

The FNB Dance Umbrella will again rock Johannesburg with exciting new dance programmes at the Wits Theatre Complex in Jorrisen Street, Braamfontein, Market Theatre and Dance Factory in Newtown, Johannesburg University Arts Centre in Auckland Park, and the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park.

While the main thrust of this long-running dance showpiece, which started 20 years ago, is to showcase the work of professional dancers and choreographers, the young choreographers residency programme has been helping many young dancers and choreographers in recent years.

The programme was initiated four years ago and over this period it has played a crucial role in giving opportunities to many young people in the country, particularly those from the townships.

One success story is that of Dada Masilo,a young dancer and choreographer from Soweto, who has excelled at the Dance Factory, both as a resident choreographer and dance teacher.

Masilo was rewarded for her efforts last year when it was announced the 2008 Standard Bank Young Artist for Dance.

As part of her prize, the talented young woman gets to take a show to this year's Grahamstown National Arts Festival.

So, all young people with dreams of becoming choreographers must send their CVs, accompanied by a letter motivating why they would like to take part in the programme and why they think they have what it takes, to danceumbrella@artslink.co.za or phone 011-482-5615.