'Contemporary dance yet to be understood'-Kola

Mpho Tlale | Friday February 7, 2014 13:43

 

However the founder of the group, Andrew Kola, says despite their years in the industry he has concluded that people do not understand dance.

He says the audience still does not get the idea or motivation behind contemporary dance, while some who do contemporary dance itself are yet to understand its meaning.

'Contemporary dance basically is telling a story through movement. For one to do it they have to understand the technique because dance has its own language,' said Kola.

He further mentioned that the theory part cannot be divorced from the practical because they go hand in hand to produce a solid production.

Kola said that for the audience to understand what dance for Mophato is all about people need to see them in different settings. He highlighted that when they perform at corporate events it is different from when they perform at their own show. He attests that their shows are usually laid back, have more to communicate and are open for interpretation by the audience. Kola said that he is certain that contemporary dance has a future in Botswana. He said: “Contemporary dance is growing and people are curious and want to know what it is all about. It is still a new thing in the community.'

The main challenge Kola says that dance faces is lack of funding and resources. He said as it stands they have an interest in attending some African and world festivals, but lack of funds halted their plans.

He added that he also wishes he could broaden the scope and teach more people, but a lack of facilities prevents that from happening.

At the moment Kola said he is working with the Department of Arts and Culture on an outreach programme to spread contemporary dance.  To date they have been to Lobatse, Francistown and Maun.  They will be in Gaborone from the February 10 to 15 where their facilitation workshops will continue.