Dance Umbrella is the biggest contemporary dance festival in South Africa. The festival comprises both new work and old favourites by South African contemporary dance choreographers and invited international companies. There is also a fringe programme focusing on dance development as well as a series of dance workshops and master classes.

Attracting choreographers and companies from all over the continent – and the world –  this dance festival is an important catalyst for many local choreographers, many of whom go on to international acclaim. These include artists such as Vincent Mantsoe, Robyn Orlin, Boyzie Cekwana and Gregory Maqoma, whose work is celebrated all over the world.

Initially a Gauteng-based festival, Dance Umbrella is now nationally and internationally recognised. It provides a wonderful opportunity to explore and develop emergent dance forms and its continued success reflects the way in which, over the past decade, contemporary choreography and dance has developed into one of the most creative art forms in South Africa.

The Dance Umbrella is also an opportunity for South African choreographers and dancers to network with each other and their African counterparts, while introducing local audiences to a truly African platform of dance.

February 2013