The Third Space Series is an experimental platform where the Asian identity takes on complex and meaningful constructions, expressed through the works of contemporary Asian dance artists influenced by their cultural heritage, sojourns and exposure. Toccata sets up a creative dialogue between music and dance centered on the idea of “touch”, featuring John Sharpley’s same-titled composition and choreography by Lim Fei Shen. Traversing a range of psychic states, Then & Now by Nirmala Seshadri explores the line between time frames, and borders separating memory, reality and dreaming, through the interface of Bharatanatyam and improvised movement, poetry, music, theatre and video images. Laura Tham’s Red Bamboo evokes the ghostly presence of samsui women in the urban landscape and pays tribute to their indefatigable spirit. Batulang by Toronto-based Yvonne Ng is inspired by the ancient Chinese tale of the first man, who was conceived out of stone, and examines relationships between people, drawing on themes of initiations or rites of passage.

These four works are performed by students of NAFA’s Department of Dance, showcasing the curriculum’s distinctive East-West posture that emphasises contemporary Western and Asian performance as well as creation practices. Through rigorous practical technique training and performance, creative and contextual studies, together with the opportunity to choose Performance, Choreography or Teaching as an emphasis, NAFA develops dance artists equipped to enter the competitive dance world and make a mark with their budding talent.