12 years old and still dancing strong

PRESS RELEASE

“12 years old and still dancing strong, The Body Festival is back again for 2013!"

After the success of Body Festival 2012, which saw over 30,000 people taking part, The Body Festival is back for 2013 taking place from September 27th – October 13th, with 20 shows, 40 workshops and two exhibtions, in venues all over Christchurch and the wider region.

A project of the Dance and Physical Theatre Trust, over the years The Body Festival has gone from strength to strength, supporting and promoting the dance industry in New Zealand, particularly Christchurch and the South Island and is arguably now the largets dance festival in the world per head of population.

Now in its twelfth year, Festival Chair Stephen Lewis says the 2013 programme is packed with offerings.

“It’s sure to motivate you to leave the warmth of your home, put on your dancing shoes and come fight those blues”.

The varied programme ensures there is something on offer to cater to every need.

Festival Director Adam Hayward asserts that the festival is an excellent opportunity to support New Zealand made talent.

“I encourage you to get out and support our local and national artists who are presenting this year in venues dotted around Christchurch with a particular focus on the central city as we continue to contribute to the cultural fabric of our ever changing landscape”.

Featuring highly regarded local dance companies, including Rebound, Jolt and Tablo, the festival also welcomes works from well--known New Zealand choreographers Fleur de Thier, Julia McKerrow, Julia Milsom and Louise Potiki--Bryant.

There are also a number of newcomers on the scene.

Auckland choreographer Shani Dickens presents a haunting and provocative new work Demigod/half human, Kate Bartlett brings a performance expressing the destabilising effects of life’s apparent fragility in her piece ‘Our Catharsis’ while the New Zealand School of Dance present a selection of up and coming dancers and choreographers to the festival programme.

However performance isn’t the only feature of the festival.

Have a Go Workshops spread across three weekends allow people to get out in their communities and try various forms of dance for themselves.

Whether a beginner or experienced – there’s something to suit everyone.

The Body Festivals continued relationships with the health and wellbeing sector – The Red Cross, The Mental Health Foundation, Active Canterbury and in particular the ‘All Right?’ Campaign with the festival message for 2013 being delivered through the mantra: “It’s All Right To Dance!"

There’s an endless possiblity for stories associated with this year’s festival from the pure arts lover to those with an interest in the role of dance for social wellbeing, healthy lifestyle and increased levels of physical activity so why not profile The Body Festival this year.

Ends

A PDF of the full programme is available on request or is viewable on our website at www.thebody.co.nz

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