The arrival of the pandemic has hit pause on many activities that we once took for granted. One notable activity that has been halted repeatedly is dancing—with dance studios being shut down, class sizes reduced and restrictions in place, dancing together with fellow dancers became a challenge.
As a response to the pandemic’s restrictions on communal activities, dancers have taught themselves to adapt to the changes, reinventing traditional forms of dance to find new ways of engaging and connecting.
In light of this, the 16th edition of Esplanade’s da:ns festival is an amalgamation of free and ticketed events, each calling us to find new ways to dance, focussing instead on new perspectives of the body and physical touch, new ways to express and enjoy dance, and ultimately, embracing the impact and power of dance in such trying times.
One of the themes for 2021’s da:ns festival is GO LOCAL, paying homage to the way like-minded Singaporean dancers have evolved to create and develop a vibrant dance scene in Singapore, featuring more than 10 new works and 280 diverse local dance artists from 5 leading contemporary dance companies.
Because of the way the pandemic has placed a dampener on social activities, the festival invites us to see dance THROUGH A NEW LENS, with dancemakers expanding their craft into virtual stages and digital realms.
DANCE REVOLUTION bids us to move through guided to move through guided prompts and audio choreographies to ruminate on the way boundaries have changed and redefining movement and space within our new reality.
Finally, fellow dance lovers and curious novices are invited to PARTICIPATE in the festivities, picking up some new moves or connect with like-minded individuals who all share a love for dance.
With a total of 4 festival commissions, 80 diverse in-venue and digital dance programmes and materials, as well as 35 new creations by leading Singaporean and Asian dancemakers, there’s something to be found for everyone—experienced and budding dancers alike. The festival will be happening from the 8-17th October 2021, with tickets on sale right now.
[This article is proudly brought to you by Esplanade]
Dates: 8-17th October 2021
