Christchurch's Body Festival bigger than ever: Going International in 06
After months in the planning, the schedule for this year's annual Dance and Physical Theatre Festival looks set to explode into Christchurch communities over 17 days, and this year the city can look forward to fresh, global perspectives from the world of professional street dance.
The Body's first international guests will be Robert Hylton, Director of renowned UK dance company Urban Classicism in collaboration with hip hop DJ Billy Biznizz.
Christchurch's Body Festival bigger than ever: Going International in 06
After months in the planning, the schedule for this year's annual Dance and Physical Theatre Festival looks set to explode into Christchurch communities over 17 days, and this year the city can look forward to fresh, global perspectives from the world of professional street dance.
The Body's first international guests will be Robert Hylton, Director of renowned UK dance company Urban Classicism in collaboration with hip hop DJ Billy Biznizz.
The trans-Tasman connection will also be strengthened with selections from Sydney's ReelDance International Dance on Screen Festival taking pride of place for the first time at the Christchurch Art Gallery's Philip Carter Auditorium.
Renowned poi authority, Ngamoni Huata will lead the New Zealand contingent. She is the author of the acclaimed "The Rhythm and Life of Poi" (2000), and will teach a not-to-be-missed technique workshop.
The focus this year is firmly on raising the profile of dance in the South Island, which will also be the topic of a debate hosted by Dance Aotearoa NZ (DANZ).
With a wide array of 10 performance works, 28 workshops, and 52 films, The Body 06 still aims to celebrate dance in all its diversity.
"As always, our strength lies in presenting the best of New Zealand contemporary dance alongside a myriad of community workshops that encourage all to have a go," said Festival Director Adam Hayward. "We are proud to be participation-oriented; that is what distinguishes us from festivals in other centres."
The Body 06 - September 15th - October 1st - truly contains something for everyone. Watch this space!
Photo: Robert Hylton. Courtesy of The British Council