Celeste's Gift by Jenny March Celeste Dandeker was awarded an OBE for her achievement, she's no longer the artistic director of the company she founded in 1991 but Candoco, now directed by Pedro Machado and Stine Nilson, continues to be the leading dance company in the field invented by its founder, that of integrated, cutting edge contemporary dance. Before Dandeker no-one had even dared to think of the notion of disabled and non-disabled dancers sharing a stage together, creating dance works together, performing together. Celeste's idea arose out of need and loss. Her loss, as the result of a dancing accident which cost her the use of her legs, was of the ability to move freely as a dancer - and by all accounts she was a very gifted one - followed by her need to continue dancing in whatever way possible. Out of this life changer was born the first ever integrated dance company (with which she performed at the outset). By working with the best dance talent and the highest calibre choreographers her "can do" company broke a taboo and gave permission for a whole new branch of dance expression to happen. Integrated dance practise is now represented by touring companies throughout the world and dance training establishments have incorporated this practise into their curricula. Dandeker retired as artistic director of Candoco in 2007 but her gift continues. This unique company visit The Sherman Theatre (Sherman Cymru) tonight. They are showing works by three, much celebrated and very different, international dance makers: Javier de Frutos, Wendy Houston and Trisha Brown. Their works are (respectively): "Studies for C", inspired by Tennessee Williams' "Camino Real" and with Mexican "Ranchera" music by Lila Downs; "Imperfect Storm" loosely based on Shakespeare's "Tempest"; and "Set and Reset/Reset", a thoroughly 1980's New York, New Dance pedigree with music by Laurie Anderson (who else?). The programme is called "Three Acts of Play" and is a must see for dance lovers and theatre goers alike. Candoco Dance Company appear as part of Hijinx Theatre's Unity Festival tonight, 12th June, 7.30 PM at The Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Rd., Cardiff CF24 4YE. Box Office: 029 2064 6900. See also: www.shermancymru.co.uk www.hijinx.org.uk/unity www.candoco.co.uk |
| web site: www.candoco.co.uk |
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Wednesday, June 12, 2013 |
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