Through its Creative Encounters project series, ASEF is supporting “Dance Connect 2015” to mentor emerging choreographers in contemporary dance from Asia and Europe and commission new works.
In September and October this year, “Dance Connect 2015”brings together 3 emerging choreographers Ms Hemabharathy PALANI, Mr Prasanna SAIKIA and Mr Surjit NONGMEIKAPAM SINGHand 6 dancers in a residency that begins at Attakkalari Center for Movement Arts in Bangalore, India, moves to Mercat de les Flors in Barcelona, Spain, and concludes at O Espaco do Tempo in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal. The residency in each country concluded with a studio presentation and performance on 18 September in Bangalore, 2 October in Barcelona and 13 October in Montemor-o-Novo. The highlight was the performance at Festival Asia on 22 September 2015 as part of the Merce Festival Barcelona – Barcelona’s biggest annual city festival of the year.
These young choreographers have participated in a 3-stage collaborative production process that encouraged multi-disciplinary collaborations with light designers, dramaturges, sound and digital artists for a performance. These works were presented in Bangalore, Barcelona and Montemor where discussions, workshops, presentations were tailored involving local artists and communities, thus increasing cultural mobility and community engagement.
“Dance Connect 2015” has been selected for ASEF’s support through the 4th edition of Creative Encounters: Cultural Partnerships between Asia and Europe.