The Flatfoot Access Festival is a testament to the power of dance to break down barriers, inspire hope, and create a more inclusive world. The annual event, taking place from 25-30 November, will showcase the work of the Flatfoot Dance Company, which has been dedicated to empowering dancers with disabilities for 21 years.
Durban, South Africa (06 November 2024) – The Stable Theatre will come alive with a mesmerizing display of grace, strength, and unity as the Flatfoot Access Festival returns for its third annual edition from 25-30 November.
This year’s festival, held during South Africa’s National Disability Rights Awareness Month, celebrates the 21-year legacy of the Flatfoot Dance Company in fostering inclusivity and empowering dancers with disabilities.
“The journey toward access and professional training for dancers living with both intellectual and physical disabilities lies at the heart of FLATFOOT, and this small ever-growing festival,” says FLATFOOT’s Artistic Director Lliane Loots.
“It is a glorious moment of celebrating not just the incredible dancers, dance makers, and choreographers participating, but of dance’s transformative power to bind society together and empower a sense of community”.
The festival will showcase a range of performances, including new works by the Flatfoot Downie Dance Company, a group of talented dancers with Down Syndrome.
They will share the stage with the Flatfoot company in a captivating performance titled “time spent…” which delves into the beauty of friendship, relationships, and the ever-evolving nature of human connection.
The Flatfoot Access Panthers, born to work with and train dancers with intellectual disabilities, will also perform a work called “Songs Of The Soul”.
The festival will also feature three special guests. Dancers from WACO’s Dance Movement under the choreographic guidance of Jarryd Watson. Dance Movement is a dance project that gives access to children and youth, artists, dancers, choreographers, and people living with disabilities to dance training and skills development based in the South Durban area of Wentworth.
Multi-award-winning Johannesburg dance-maker Gladys Agulhas will also grace the festival with a special focus on inclusivity in the contemporary dance sector.
“Gladys is one of the pioneers of integrated dance in South Africa and we are delighted to be hosting her”, says Loots.
She will also lead a free open workshop on 28 November, inviting participants to explore self-care, touch, resistance, and receptivity through movement. Booking is essential as places are limited – to book contact Lootsl@ukzn.ac.za
The festival extends its reach beyond South Africa with a digital collaboration with Ethiopian dancer Amanuel Solomon. Amanuel is a professional dancer and choreographer, and founder of Katim Disability Dance, the first company in Ethiopia led by a disabled dancer.
He will offer a free online workshop exploring how dance and monologue can foster identity and belonging.
Amanuel’s workshop will be held on Wednesday 27 November between 2 – 3.30pm (SAST). Contact Lootsl@ukzn.ac.za to get the ZOOM address, or to book a place to participate at Stable Theatre
Performances and workshops take place at The Stable Theatre 115 Johannes Nkosi (formerly Alice Street) Durban and the two showcase performances take place on Friday and Saturday 29 and (repeat) 30 November @ 6.30pm Tickets are R80.
The Stable Theatre is wheelchair friendly, and there is safe parking on site. Bookings are through Computicket here.
Sources: Flatfoot Dance Company
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