Aberdeen’s DanceLive Festival, now in its eighth year, has gone from strength to strength and is firmly established on the calendar as Scotland’s largest festival of contemporary dance.
From established acts to new performers, the programme is brimming with dance talent.
Scottish dancer Steven Martin, for one, is delighted to be returning to Aberdeen to be part of DanceLive 2013. Having performed at the festival with his present company, Retina Dance, and last year in Andy Howitt’s Deliberance, Steven is no stranger to DanceLive and is over-the-moon to be returning.
He said: “DanceLive is the largest and most exciting festival of contemporary dance in Scotland. It is a privilege to be performing at it again; the audiences are always extremely warm and receptive. It has a great atmosphere and I enjoy bumping into people I have worked with, taught or looked up to in the Scottish dance scene over the years.”
Rather surprisingly, Steven, 28, who grew up in Glenrothes, Fife, initially had no plans to become a dancer.
He explained: “I didn’t get into dance until I was 18. It was my big sister who encouraged me along the dance route, suggesting that I look into dance courses.”
He went on to study dance at the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance, in Dundee.
“It was a terrifying experience as I had never been in a dance studio and had never done any technique classes before,” he said.
“The first few weeks of the course were extremely difficult, but after our first couple of creative tasks I fell in love with contemporary dance and knew it was something I wanted a career in,” said Steven.
Steven has gone on to perform with Scottish Dance Theatre as well as Retina Dance, and also teaches and choreographs his own work.
During the Aberdeen-based festival, which runs from tomorrow until October 31, Steven will take part in numerous performances and aspects of the programme. First, he will work with local dance company East Coast Moves and will then perform with Retina Dance at the Lemon Tree on Saturday, October 19, at 8pm, with the Scottish premiere of the piece Corporalis.
Steven has also choreographed a piece entitled Bound, which will be performed at the Lemon Tree Studio on Thursday, October 24, as part of a showcase of local work.
“It is a real privilege to be asked to lead classes for talented up and coming dancers and it is something I love about DanceLive; they not only have great performances from leading companies but also have room for the next generation of performers,” said Steven.
Festival director Jenny Philips said: “One of the key features of DanceLive is the opportunity it gives to young talent and we are delighted that this year’s programme features up and coming dancers and choreographers from across Scotland. Dancers like Steven, who deliver workshops, are pivotal to the success of this aspect of DanceLive.”
The DanceLive 2013 programme includes three UK premieres, featuring performances from established companies including the Jasmin Vardimon Company, Scottish Dance Theatre and the Errol White Company.
It welcomes back many festival favourites, including Barrowland Ballet. But what makes this festival stand out is the opportunity it offers for new and emerging local talent such as Aberdeen Dance Collective and Fusion.
Mrs Philips said: “DanceLive gets bigger and better with each year. Last year, the festival won best festival in the Creative Culture Scotland awards, and what made it extra special was that the public votes for these awards.
“However it does mean we have a lot to live up to, and the 2013 festival programme doesn’t disappoint, with a diverse range of dance delights on offer this October.”
Paul Bush, chief operating officer of EventScotland, added: “Scotland is the perfect stage for events, and in DanceLive we have a fantastic event which is Scotland’s largest festival of contemporary dance. The festival will once again present a great platform for emerging Scottish talent and internationally acclaimed artists across a hugely engaging programme.”
DanceLive kicks off tomorrow with the Insights showcase of new work and comedy dance company Pony Dance at the Lemon Tree and closes on Thursday, October 31, with a new work by Ian Spink and Bill Thomson. To find out more about the festival, visit www.dancelive.org.uk Tickets are available from Aberdeen Box Office on 01224 641122 or online at www.boxofficeaberdeen.com Tickets for Citymoves Studio are available on 01224 611486.