Zodiak – Center for New Dance and the Japanese Japan Contemporary Dance Network (JCDN) have launched a two-year Finnish-Japanese exchange program for choreographers. The purpose of the program is to advance the internationalization of dance artists and to make possible the exchange of performances between Europe and Asia. In 2011–2012 two new international contemporary dance productions will be carried out. The exchange program is a continuation to the residence exchange for young choreographers, which started in 2007. This time the focus is on experienced and recognized choreographers from both countries.
Choreographer Ervi Sirén will take part in the exchange program from Finland. She will create a work in Tokyo for Japanese dancers at the beginning of the year 2012. Sirén will visit Japan this fall and choose dancers for her piece based on an audition. At the same time two works by Sirén, Katu and Ilmalautturit will be seen at the Tottorin Bird Theatre Festival.
The artistic director of the Monochrome Circus group, choreographer Kosei Sakamoto has been chosen to the exchange program from Japan. Sakamoto will visit the Full Moon Dance Festival in July. There he will hold a workshop and an audition for Finnish dancers. Sakamoto’s works Monster and Kizahashi – Edge will be seen at the festival. The work for Finnish dancers will be seen in the spring 2012 repertoire of Zodiak at the Cable Factory in Helsinki.
The supporters of the exchange program are the significant Japan Foundation and Saison Foundation. Co-operation partners are also for example the Finnish Institute in Japan and Dance Info Finland.
Tanssin Tiedotuskeskus © 2010
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