From 20 July to 5 August, renowned choreographer, music producer and dance enthusiast Elvis Sibeko and his talented troupe will dazzle audiences with traditional South African dance moves at the China-Xinjiang International Dance Festival.
The dance production titled Manyanano: The Spirit of Ubuntu is an Afro-epic South African masterpiece that revives the essence and potency of Ubuntu.
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Directed and choreographed by Elvis Sibeko with co-choreography by Nkosinathi Mngomezulu and the dancers, the production blends together traditional Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Tsonga, Venda, Swati, Pedi, Khoisan and Sotho dance routines. The culmination of this artistic fusion results in the Manyano dance celebration, uniting the celebratory dances of various tribes with iconic South African social dances like pantsula, gumboots, Sophia Town, street dance and amapiano.
The China Xinjiang International Dance Festival, initiated in 2008, is a biennial event sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the State Council Information Office of China and the Government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
This year’s festival, themed ‘Chinese Dream, Colourful Silk Road,’ attracts acclaimed folk-dance troupes from around the globe, showcasing the best of their cultural traditions. Dancers from countries like Russia, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Ukraine and England participate in this grand celebration of diversity and artistic excellence. Alongside the performances, the festival also features cultural events, including master classes and forums.
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Organised in collaboration with the Silk Road International League of Theatres (SRILT), Artscape plays a significant role in co-organising this year’s festival. The SRILT, launched at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre in Beijing in October 2016, is an initiative by the China Arts and Entertainment Group, the largest State-owned entertainment and art exhibition company in China. It serves as a platform for promoting cultural exchange between China and other nations, boasting 96 member theatres from various countries and regions.
Elvis Sibeko’s passion for dance began at an early age during his time at Phandimfundo Secondary School, where he engaged in dance as an extracurricular activity. He later joined the Jazzart Dance Theatre’s Performance Company after completing the Jazzart three-year training programme in 2011. Prior to this, Elvis honed his skills at Tribhangi Dance Theatre, exploring dance styles such as Indian, traditional and Gumboots.
He holds an impressive academic background, including a Higher Education and Training Certificate in Community Development Practice, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in theatre-making studies and an Honours Degree in Live Arts and Public Arts, specialising in dance, from the University of Cape Town. Today, Elvis Sibeko runs his own dance company, Elvis Sibeko Studios, housed at Artscape.
With their talent, cultural richness and spirit of Ubuntu, Elvis Sibeko and his troupe are set to leave an indelible mark on the China Xinjiang International Dance Festival, spreading joy and admiration for South African dance traditions among global audiences.
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Picture: Artscape / Facebook
