Known for its innovative and often interdisciplinary collaboration and work which delight, engage and inspire the audience, Darkroom Contemporary is launching a new interdisciplinary performance project called New Works.
Forming part of this groundbreaking project is Tamboerskloof resident, Joy Millar.
The project is a vibrant, contemporary programme that merges sound, motion and technology in a series of innovative representations of new dance. It aims to showcase Darkroom Contemporary’s work as unique, contemporary dance theatre offerings, featuring dance artists of the highest artistic merit and staged in ways which are simultaneously current, relevant, and choreographed by founder Louise Coetzer.
The professional freelance ballet dancer and coach said her primary school teacher had spotted her dancing skills and talent when she was 12. This teacher encouraged her to take up ballet classes. “I know this is a bit late to start learning ballet dance but, I’m grateful for her encouragement,” she said.
Joy said her collaboration with Darkroom Comtemporay comes from their ongoing and long-standing relationship with the company.
“There’s quite a developed relationship between us as I’ve done a number of programmes with Darkroom Contemporary and I enjoy their uniqueness and professionalism. When I was asked to be part of this new project, I didn’t hesitate,” she said.
Joy said through her dance moves, she aims to inspire people to feel something and experience transcendence when they watch her. She said she tried to make the audience witness a great mind and body relationship.
Joy said unique work that has never been seen before can be expected.
“The creative process is peculiar, the dance movements are dynamic. It’s something different, engaging and feeds the mind,” she said.
She said as they are gearing up for Darkroom Contemporary’s 10th anniversary next year, they want to get out there and showcase the work that they are doing. This project is made up of informal performances, educational workshops, and forum discussions in and around Cape Town.
The project aims to bring together the mediums of dance and experimental or electronic music to showcase work that is new and innovative while maintaining the high artistic and technical standards of the company.
Joy said the province (and the country) had talented dancers and choreographers, however, the problem was that there’s no support from institutions and government.
“So much energy has to be put into getting funding for projects instead of working on our creativity, this a huge challenge for the industry and we have a long way to go,” she said.
