ART

The Biennial of Contemporary Dance

Without doubt, the Biennial of Contemporary Dance has become a permanent fixture in the cultural calendar of not only Poznań, but of virtually the whole of Poland.

The IV Biennial of Contemporary Dance runs from 16 to 22.08.2000, with classes taking place in the rooms of the State Ballet School (Państwowa Szkoła Baletowa) in Poznań.

Ewa Wycichowska, who is both the founder and Artistic Director of the Biennial, evidently possesses sound judgement, as she has most definitely tapped into a need for dance education, particularly among young people.

Taking part in this year's workshops will be over 1500 people from all over Poland, compared with about 250 at the inaugural festival. This gathering of young people to dance is a very positive phenomenon, for a number of reasons. Above all, the very participation in contemporary dance workshops provides an opportunity to become acquainted with other techniques of dance, originating from unfamiliar cultures and folk traditions. In addition, each young dancer will individually develop their dancing abilities.

Among the extremely attractive classes on offer are Funky jazz, Broadway jazz, Modern jazz, flamenco, mime and the art of movement. Classical dance will also be represented.

The classes will be led by renowned teachers from the United States, England, Holland, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Slovakia and Poland.

Ewa Wycichowska herself, who is also Director of the Polish Dance and Ballet Theatre in Poznań, will be leading a Creative Laboratory in acting and choreography.

It should be stressed that the workshops are addressed to both professional dancers and amateurs.

For contemporary man, dance is a form of therapy.

Tomasz Barański