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Moving into Dance update: Highlights of 2009

Inspiring workshops were held with Philippe Pelen Baldini from Reunion Island. More collaborations may take place next year.
Some MIDM dancers took part in 3 Colours, which was performed at the 4th World Summit of Arts and Culture.

Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM) had four works at Wits Theatre in October. They were:

* Threads – a collaborative work by Sylvia Glasser and Lebo Mashile
* Ken Arok, which premiered at the National Arts Festival this year, and eMandulo, both choreographed by Thabo Rapoo
* Besame Mucho-Kiss me Much, which premiered at FNB Dance Umbrella, by choreopgrapher Michel Keleminis.
* There was much positive feedback from the audience. MIDM would like to thank the National Lottery Fund, Standard Bank and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa for their sponsorship.

At next year’s Dance Umbrella, choreographer Thabo Rapoo is presenting a new work, Batsumi, about men as hunters and women as gatherers. Four MIDM dancers will also take part in the Dance Umbrella: Sonia Radebe will be a rehearsal director, Faith Maseko will be an assistant company manager; Themba Mbuli and Sunnyboy Motau will be aspirant dancers.

Upcoming performances are:

* Blankets of Shame Outreach in Soweto and Diepsloot.
* Performing Arts Training Course Graduation on 9 December at the Dance Factory.
* Threads performance at the State Theatre as part of the Mzansi Fela Festival.

Guest teacher David Matamela will be holding classes in early December. MIDM closes from 11 December until 13 January 2010. Visit www.midance.co.za or phone 011 838 2816.