The Dance Forum has been a major force in South African contemporary dance for the past 21 years, facilitating major projects such as the 12-day FNB Dance Umbrella Festival, a dance platform for young artists entitled New Dance and a Young Choreographers Residency Programme.
In wide ranging future plans, The Dance Forum intends to develop a series of workshops, debates, collaborations, master classes and residency programmes for professional practitioners as well as encourage collaborations between dance organisations and choreographers across Africa and the rest of the world.
Yet throughout its existence there has never been one single base from which it could operate and develop its ambitious programme - until the recent creation of The Dance Space.
Funded by a number of bodies including the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, The National Arts Council, Gauteng Dept of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, The French Institute of South Africa and the British Council, The Dance Space opened earlier this year and is now a pivotal venue, allowing The Dance Forum the opportunity to pursue its projects within the security of a purpose built space.
Situated in Newtown, The Dance Space is at the heart of Johannesburg's theatre land and is now able to place its facilities at the disposal of the many dance orientated activities - rehearsals, pre-tours, workshops etc - within easy reach of the major theatres.
Rosco's Ron Knell was keen to be involved and provide this busy venue with the quality of dance floor which would be able to withstand the punishing programme of events. "South Africa's contemporary dance scene is well respected throughout the world," says Knell. "Rosco is very proud to be able to support this venture by sponsoring the Rosco Dance Space and supplying it with our top quality Dance Floor."
The Rosco Dance Floor has been installed in the 10m x 16m main studio where its matte, non-skid finish provides the controlled slip that dancers require.
The reversible, black/white floor has been installed as a permanent feature but, at less than 2.85kgs per linear metre, it also highly portable. Lightweight and flexible, it can be rolled and unrolled as needed and is excellent for touring purposes.
"The floor we have installed here is suitable for ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, drill team and hip hop which fits perfectly with the variety dance styles The Dance Space will be dealing with," says Knell.
The floor was supplied by Rosco through its South African dealer, Congo Blue Design, which, having joined forces with Rosco in July 2009, has recently opened offices within the new Dance Space complex.
(Jim Evans)
