The legendary Martha Graham once said that to dance was “to energise the spectator into keener awareness of the vigour, of the mystery, the humour, the variety and the wonder of life.”

da:ns 09 aims to do just that with soul-searching works and dazzling performances. Spanning continents and cultures, it’s dance that speaks of the world we live in today. Insightful and introspective or witty and exuberant, it’s dance created by some of the most extraordinary artists.  

In this year’s programme, we have artists who have dug deep into their emotional cores, seeking to engage us on issues close to their hearts. Collaborating for the first time are María Pagés and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui in Dunas. With seemingly different dance and cultural roots, they look within themselves and to each other to create a triumphant marriage of flamenco and contemporary dance. Shen Wei sheds new light on ancient cultures in Re-(I,II,III) an enthralling meditation on his encounters in Tibet, Angkor Wat and China. The artist’s personal perspective is taken to an intimate level by Colin Dunne in his solo work that interrogates and deconstructs his Irish dance roots. Moved by the tragic history of Cambodia and the impact on the people and the arts, Peter Chin pays tribute to the human spirit and survival. This season’s resident artist, Boi Sakti, peers into the soul of humanity and questions the meaning of civilisation.

Life is also full of beauty and grace, captured in the lyricism of classical ballet, with virtuosic performances by the luminous Paloma Herrera. Embracing all that is fun and exciting is Project X, an exhilarating and ingenious mix of funk tap, breakdancing and beatboxing from RAW Dance Company, featuring Korean b-boy crew Last For One. And in their respective showcases, LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts unveil the next generation of talents who will undoubtedly continue to affirm the power of dance.

Finally, what is dance without participating in it? Pick up some new dance moves, learn more about different dance styles and Asia’s rich dance heritage! Footwork, Rasas and What’s Your Move return with fresh new features.

The joy of movement, the wonder of life – discover and celebrate them at da:ns 09!