Jazzart Dance Theatre’s inaugural ‘Meraki Dance Festival’ is an innovative platform that celebrates all dance forms in South Africa. From contemporary to ballet, the festival features workshops, performances, and choreography magic for dancers and audiences, from 27 February to 1 March 2025
at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town.
The Inspiration Behind The Meraki Dance Festival
Meraki means, “to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to leave a piece and essence of yourself in your work”. It encapsulates Jazzart’s desire to showcase local, national and international choreographers, and to create a platform where they can share new works, and restage much-loved repertoire performances.
The festival will also spark conversations around different choreographic styles, and be the centre stage for these talented professionals to share their skills with emerging choreographers.
What to Expect at The Meraki Dance Festival
This inaugural festival programme will present diverse dance styles, from contemporary to ballet, and features established and emerging choreographers such as Sifiso Kweyama, Sbo Ndaba, Shaun Oelf, MANACAN, Lihle Mfene, Gain Collective, Imbewu, as well as Chloé Blair from Joburg Ballet.
The festival also includes workshops and masterclasses, where dancers are invited to sign up and join for the opportunity to learn and expand their technique and meet new friends.
Each evening provides a unique performance experience with different programme compositions on offer, whilst the rehearsal studios will buzz with energetic and engaging workshops and masterclasses for dancers of all levels. Companies participating in the festival include Cape Ballet Africa, Figure of Eight Dance Theatre and the dancers from Baba Yaya who join Jazzart’s trainees on stage.
About Jazzart Dance Theatre
Jazzart has been at the forefront of contemporary dance in South Africa for more than 51 years. Over this time, the company, a registered NPC, has consistently pushed the envelope of creative physical expression with its artful capturing of prevailing narratives, as well as its 3-year professional dance qualification.
In November 2024, celebrating 30 years of South African democracy, Jazzart staged a production entitled Four Frames of Freedom. Opening night was a triumph but the production run was sadly cut short due to some of its company members being hi-jacked and traumatised, leading to Jazzart itself also suffering substantial financial loss.
The Meraki Dance Festival is Jazzart’s signal to all South Africans that they and their dance colleagues are here to stay. The country’s stories will continue to be told through dance.
When: 27 February – 1 March 2025
Where: Artscape Theatre
Cost: Performances R150 – R300 | BOOK NOW
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jazzart.co.za
Facebook: @jazzartdance
Instagram: @jazzartdancetheatre
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