Following its debut in 2022, the Body Moves International Inclusive Dance Festival returns to the Sibikwa Arts Centre. From Kenya to Madagascar, Ireland to Flanders, and diverse regions of South Africa, the festival embodies a spirit of unity. Hosted during Disability Awareness Month, the festival is a celebration of diversity and collaboration, with an exciting programme that includes:

WORKSHOPS:
Learn the basics of sign language with deaf dancer Andile Vellem of UNMUTE or join Ondiege Mathew in an exploration of spontaneous choreography and learn about lives of individuals with disabilities with Fanny Vandesande. Take part in a satellite workshop at Moving Into Dance in Newtown for a more intimate experience. Lovantiana Erica Rakotoba will host a workshop based on inclusive dance while exploring different bodies in space. Cindy Cummings' 'Serious Play' workshop delves into the dynamic interplay of people, turning everyday actions into a unique dance of their own. 

PERFORMANCES: 
BODY MOVES wouldn't be complete without some captivating performances, each telling a unique story through dance: 

TWOTFAM (The Works Of The Flash Are Manifest) by Fanny Vandesande (Flanders)
This performance draws inspiration from the personal writings of dancer Anna Dujardin, sharing her experiences through poetic movement. Choreographer Fanny Vandesande is currently researching intimacy, sexual agency, autonomy and social perception, particularly in collaboration with individuals living with disabilities.

NYANAM (Daughter of the Lake) by Dance Into Space (Kenya)
This piece challenges traditional power dynamics by reimagining and demystifying a Kenyan myth historically promoting patriarchal behaviour and advocates for the empowerment of women. Founder and artistic director of Dance Into Space Company (DIS), Onyango Ondiege uses contemporary dance to empower communities, addressing existential themes and developing African dance vocabularies. Ondiege founded the mixed ability dance projects with people with disability in Kenya in 2005 and he has trained and worked with hundreds of artists with and without disability. 

Chosen by Lovantiana (Madagascar)
This dance piece is inspired by the story of children chosen to save their flood-threatened village. Lovantiana Erica Rakotobe, the choreographer, founded the company in 2002 and has developed a method to integrate visually impaired individuals into the world of dance, with eight members currently active in the artistic, social and educational sectors in Madagascar.

The Infinite Space Between Us by Flatfoot Dance Company (South Africa)
Delve into the intricate dynamics of relationships through dance. The piece explores how we move past or towards each other, seeking connection or detachment. With dancers Jabu Siphika, Ndumiso Dube, and Julia Pitt, the Flatfoot Dance Company adds a unique spin to choreographic explorations of intimate politics – and a wheelchair

Remember Our Time by Moving into Dance (South Africa)
Choreographed by Lesego Dihemo, this piece celebrates adaptation and progress, acknowledging the changes that time brings. Dihemo, committed to training autistic children in dance, is a professional dancer for MID and also serves as Wardrobe Co-ordinator. MID was born in the cruel turbulence of 1978 Apartheid South Africa. It was an artistic response to the destructive policy of apartheid. 
      
Isikhalo Sendoda by Unmute Dance Theatre (South Africa)
Dancer and choreographer Andile Vellem explores cultural expectations around expressing emotions inspired by his late son. The company of artists with mixed ability/disability advocates for accessibility and inclusion, and uses physical theatre, contemporary and integrated dance to create awareness on accessibility, integration and inclusion of people with disability within the main stream of society.

Bells and Sirens by Sibikwa Arts Centre (South Africa)
Commissioned by Sibikwa Arts Centre, this work delves into the significance of club life for young queer individuals. It serves as a refuge, offering a space for self-expression and freedom not always reflected in their day-to-day lives. Bells and Sirens explores themes of queer bodies finding solace in the nightlife.

DISCUSSION – Thu, Nov 23 at 18:00 
Drawing inspiration from short films by panelists, Nadine McKenzie representing South Africa, Adriaan Luteijn from the Netherlands and Joseph Tebandeke from Uganda, the conversation explores topics of access and training for differently-abled dancers. 

The panelists will share unique perspectives on how this work can not only resonate with audiences but also contribute to shifting perceptions and agendas within the realm of professional dancers, both those living and working with disabilities and those without. It's a conversation born from passion and personal experience, promising genuine insights and meaningful connections. The discussion will be live-streamed in collaboration with the African Dance Disability Network at Sibikwa and featured on the Facebook page

Body Moves is a celebration of local and international talent, a nod to cultural vibrancy, and a testament to the belief that arts and dance know no bounds. There will be a shuttle leaving from Rosebank Mall to Sibiwka. Tickets including shuttle and entry are R250. For groups of 10 or more, tickets will be R100 online and single admission tickets at the door are R140. 

The festival is supported by the General Representation of the Government of Flanders, Embassy of Ireland, Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, and Federation of Gauteng Community Arts.