Moving Into Dance (MID) will present Rites and Rituals, a season that re-mounts two landmarkcontemporary dance works by Sylvia Glasser and Esther Nasser. Glasser’s “Stone Cast Ritual”, first performed by MID in 1994, and Nasser’s “Rite of Spring”, which premiered in 1993 with PACT Dance Company, return to the stage as powerful examples of South Africa’s contemporary dance heritage. The June season brings a new generation of MID dancers into direct dialogue with this legacy. In rehearsal, MID Artistic Director Sunnyboy Mandla Motau works alongside former company members Muzi Shili and Thandi Hlaka, who bring first-hand performance history and choreographic insight from years of performing “Stone Cast Ritual”. Where memory and ancestry meet movement In “Stone Cast Ritual”, Glasser draws on memory, spirituality and ancestry through a ritual meditation on communal healing, foregrounding resilience and transformation.“I am thrilled that Esther and I will be sharing a stage with this programme. It is an incredibleopportunity for the dancers to have this collaborative experience,” said Glasser. Confronting Gender-Based Violence through dance Set to Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”, Nasser’s choreography confronts gender-based violence (GBV)on a global scale, recognising the daily sacrifice of women and the persistence of factionalism. Thework examines polarisation at every level, using communal tension and rhythmic drive to ask howfar violence can take society. “The MID dancers are warriors with an energy level from I don’t know where. No drama, no tension, just focus and encouragement. It’s been different and challenging for me being back on the studio floor, yet so uplifting. Also, working with Sylvia’s company in this space, I feel so aligned to the intersection of history we each bring to this season,” said Nasser. When individual sparks become collective power The programme also includes “Quasar-The Energy”, choreographed by Laura Cameron for studentsfrom the National School of the Arts (NSA). The work is rooted in the idea that individual sparks canignite collective energy and shared power. “Building strong relationships with professional companies is incredibly important to us, as theyprovide great learning opportunities for our students and potentially valuable spaces where our alumni can continue to grow and thrive after graduation. We look forward to showcasing the talent and dedication of our dancers and celebrating this opportunity to perform with such talented and experienced professionals,” said the NSA. Event details If this sounds like your kind of show, here’s where and when you can watch it: Venue: The Lesedi at Joburg TheatreDates: *Friday, 19 June @ 11h00 – FDR *Friday, 19 June @ 19h00 – Opening *Saturday, 20 June @ 14h00 & 19h00 *Sunday, 21 June @ 14h00Tickets: R 75 – R 100Bookings: Webtickets HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: Demi Lovato Celebrates One Year of Marriage With Husband Jordan “Jutes” Lutes Post navigation EXCLUSIVE! Judith Sephuma Heard the Calls… And She’s Finally Giving Fans What They Want!
