Unexpected

N Valentine’s Day in 1989, 15 choreographers from Joburg, Soweto, Sebokeng and Pretoria, dancing in bare feet, pantsula takkies or pointe shoes, stamped their artistic identities on The Wits Theatre stage.

Decades later the adventurous spirit of that first Dance Umbrella continues, but this festval has advanced and is nowinternationally recognised.

For this 24th edition of SA’S oldest contemporary dance bonanza, artistic director Georgina Thomson takes the guesswork out of what not to miss.

For the first time commissioned and invited works dominate, with only Stepping Stones being a truly open space.

The programming lines up companies, individuals and collaborations that span our dance-making history back to the 1970s. So the tone of the festival is reflective and introspective, paving the way for the 25th anniversary next year.

The event is a mini showcase of local dance and the energies and strategies that keep South African choreographers in the spotlight.

The few, that is, who have persevered and continue to do so in trying conditions.

OSnyman, Kieron Jina, Lucky Kele, Durban’s Vusi Makanya and Cape Town’s Jamila Rodrigues.

Face to Face Post Performance Discussions (selected performances from February 16 to March 4): Choreographers, sometimes joined by their artistic collaborators, will join me and the audience immediately after their respective performances to talk about their processes and inspirations.

This week: On Thursday at 7.30pm, Nelisiwe Xaba and Mocke J van Veuren discuss their interactive process after the preview performance of Uncles and Angels, at Arts on Main. On Saturday night Gregory Maqoma and collaborators unpack the journey of Exit/exist. On Sunday, Jay Pather and cast explore their Qaphela Caesar on site after the 6pm 90minute performance.

Dance Umbrella 2012 Gala Evening (The Market Theatre, February 20 at 6pm.) By invitation only.