ED2014 Dance & Physical Theatre ED2014 News ED2014 Week3 Edition

Showcasing at the Fringe: Welsh Dance Strand

By Chris Cooke | Published on Monday 18 August 2014

There are many reasons performers come to the Edinburgh Fringe, but an important one is the opportunity to showcase work in front of both audiences and cultural decision makers from across the globe.

And so good is the Festival for such showcasing, cultural bodies in numerous countries and regions now assist performers and companies to help them get the most out of their Edinburgh experience. One new initiate in this domain is the Welsh Dance Strand taking place at Zoo this week, featuring four dance theatre companies from Wales. It’s organised by Coreo Cymru, an organisation set up in 2012 to promote “dance talents and dance products” in Wales.

“Last year we presented the Dance Dome at the Fringe” says Coreo Cymru’s Carole Blade, “and the Arts Council Of Wales developed the Wales In Edinburgh Fund, which helped support Welsh companies being presented at the Festival. The Welsh Dance Strand is an extension of that idea to have a stronger presence at an international festival for Wales. This international exposure is a key part in developing the touring opportunities and professional practice for our artists”.

“We have an electric mix of dance makers and styles in the Strand”, Blade says, outlining the four productions being presented under the umbrella this week. “Renowned dance artist Jo Fong brings ‘An Invitation…’ a unique piece developed through extensive research, investigating the relationship between the audience and performer and how those boundaries can be dissolved”.

She continues: “TaikaBox presents ‘Beyond The Body’, a multi sensory mix of beautifully crafted choreography with stunning visuals and soundscape. Harnisch Lacey Dance brings ‘SPIN’, an action packed mix of contemporary, parkour and break dancing. And Kitsch And Sync will bring their unique cabaret style of comedic dance theatre, featuring electro swing hop movement styles, audience participation, and toe tapping music all tied together with a loving bow”.

Coreo Cymru is supporting the featured companies in a number of ways, including on marketing, PR and promoter engagement, “allowing artists to develop their practice while minimising the risk involved” Blade adds. “It’s important that Welsh work is seen outside Wales”, she concludes, further explaining the rationale for the Welsh Dance Strand project, “giving artists the opportunity to develop their practice, build international relationships and acknowledge the quality of their own work in a wider context”.

All four productions are playing at Zoo until 25 Aug.