By Tricia Oliveira

Esplanade in Singapore has announced the 2013^th edition of the da:ns festival which will showcase works from imaginative newcomers to world-class choreographers across all dance genres, as well as provide opportunities for participants to also learn from workshops.

Held from 11 to 20 October, the festival will feature the fiery footwork of Brazilian dancers from Grupo Corpo, to joyous freedom expressed by Ireland’s Fabulous Beast, as well as support the creation of new work by Asian choreographers through its Artist Residency programme.

A Double Bill: Sem Mim and Onqotô | 11 & 12 Oct, Fri & Sat, 8pm

Thrilling audiences around the world, Grupo Corpo’s blend of ballet and Afro-Brazilian rhythm, exuberant energy, and rich visual expression create a dance vocabulary completely their own.The critically-acclaimed contemporary dance company brings an awe-inspiring double bill to festival's lineup.

In Sem Mim, meaning without me, the sea gives life to this ballet, lulling you into an oblivion of flowing rhythms and changing landscapes. Like a woman who mourns the absence or celebrates the return of a lover, the dancers move to the ebb and flow of desire and emotion, along to the music of medieval Portuguese-Galician scores dating back to the 13th century.

Onqotô heads into dizzying territory, exploring humanity’s place in the universe along the allegory of a football match in Rio de Janeiro, and the age-old battle of the sexes. At once primal and tender, be swept away by Onqotô’s furious footwork and the passionate rhythm, set against a pulsating soundtrack by Caetano Veloso and José Miguel Wisnik.

//www.dansfestival.com/2013/centre-stage/grupo-corpo/

by Fabulous Beast (Ireland) | 18 & 19 Oct, Fri & Sat, 8pm

From the collaboration of director and choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan and musician Liam Ó Maonlaí, Rian (which means “mark” or “trace” in Irish) evokes the life-enhancing spirit of community. By turns joyful, poignant and reflective, dancers from around the world express the spontaneity of dance and move through free-flowing emotional landscapes on a colourful green stage.

Accompanied by five of Irelands’ best musicians, Rian will delight and evoke faraway places with a rich melodic backdrop of Celtic and West African music, and the sounds of percussion, fiddles and pipes. 

//www.dansfestival.com/2013/centre-stage/rian/

Directed by Ángel Rojas (Spain) | 18 & 19 Oct, Fri & Sat, 7.30pm

Headlining the night is one of the greatest flamenco masters of our time, Antonio Canales, whose artistic catalogue features a countless string of works, awards and critical praise for his unique vision of the art form.

Another great master, the flamboyant Carlos Rodríguez, is known for his bold mix of contemporary dance with flamenco traditions; along with Ángel Rojas, Rodríguez has wowed the world with their acclaimed company Nuevo Ballet Español.

Bumping up the innovative quotient are the rising stars to watch: the riveting Karime Amaya, who is surely following the footsteps of her grandaunt, the legendary Carmen Amaya, as her talent has won recognition by flamenco giants Joaquin Cortes and Farruquito.

Watch out for young star Jesús Carmona, who’s been described as the future of flamenco, garnering awards and praise since embarking on a solo career in 2010.

//www.dansfestival.com/2013/centre-stage/gala-flamenca/