Body Festival bigger than ever in 06

28 June 2006

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, from September 15th – October 1st.

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). And with The Body’s first international guests on the bill—Robert Hylton, Director of renowned UK dance company Urban Classicism in collaboration with hip hop DJ Billy Biznizz—the city can look forward to fresh, global perspectives from the world of professional street dance.

The Body 06 is thrilled to present leading Poi authority, Ngamoni Huata. She is the author of the acclaimed “The Rhythm and Life of Poi” (2000), and will teach a two-day technique workshop. Also for the first time, selections from Sydney’s ReelDance International Dance on Screen Festival will take pride of place at the Christchurch Art Gallery’s Philip Carter Auditorium.

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 truly contains something for everyone. Watch this space!

ENDS

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