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15 – 24 July 2022
Our inaugural ‘Festival of Dance’ featured ten days of exceptional performances, workshops, suppers, talks and other events at Messums Wiltshire.
One of the most dynamic artistic mediums, dance, has the ability to inspire, activate the mind and bring people together like no other art form.
In 2022, as a part of the Festival of Dance Messums Wiltshire introduced a newly established emerging choreographer platform 4 by 20. Through this platform, the organisation supported two choreographers at the beginning of their career, providing a commission for the artists to develop new dance pieces as well as present their work at the Festival. In 2022 the 4 by 20 call out was aimed at female-identifying choreographers only.
Friday 15 – Saturday 16 July
A rhythmic, fiercely energetic and exhilarating performance from celebrated choreographer Hofesh Shechter and his award winning company Shechter II.
Tuesday 19 July, 7pm
Performances by our 4 by 20 winners are a fantastic way to see work by up-and-coming choreographers. Free transport available for London and Bristol based ticket holders.
Friday 22 – Saturday 23 July
The highlight performance of the Festival of Dance: Anti-Body by Alexander Whitley Dance Company. Free transport available for London and Bristol based ticket holders.
An integral part of our festival activity is connecting with the local schools and educational institutions. In 2022 artists Kennedy Muntanga led three dance workshops at St. John’s School, engaging with over 75 young people. Messums Wiltshire also opened ‘4 by 20’ rehearsals for student groups to observe the creative process happening on stage.
As a part of our festival we offered free workshops on site: AOmaon Collectif and Roseanna Anderson led creative dance workshops on 17 July for anyone over 12 years of age and we held short dance activities for under 12 year olds on 24 July – all participants were invited to attend the screening of PINA happening afterwards for free!
Saturday 16 July, from 9pm
One to not be missed – the opening of the Festival of Dance 2022 with drinks and great dance music. Join the cast and crew of the show in our post-performance after party.
Sunday 17 July
Throughout the Festival of Dance we are delighted to be hosting free dance workshops for schools and the wider community (no dance experience necessary!)
Throughout the Festival of Dance we are delighted to be hosting free dance workshops for schools and the wider community (no dance experience necessary!) Learn great moves from the casts of the Alexander Whitley Dance Company, our 4 by 20 winners and our choreographer friends Kennedy Matsunga and Anthony Matsena.
Sunday 17 July
This feature film marks a new level of creativity and story telling by Matsena Productions use of combining the language of dance, music and poetry.
Monday 18 July, 5pm
An evening discussing new creative ideas, choreographic projects and future visions. Hosted by Artistic Director Johnny Messum, we present open conversations with previously featured choreographers Ruby Portus, Kennedy Muntanga, Anthony and Kel Matsena.
Friday 22 July, 3pm
Observe the rehearsal process of Alexander Whitley Dance Company in preparation for their performance ‘Anti-Body’. A very limited and exclusive offer to watch the rehearsals of the renowned dance company.
Saturday 23 July, 10am
Experience the Alexander Whitley Dance Company training for a 1.5 hour professional contemporary dance class. This class is recommended for advanced professional adult dancers only.
Saturday 23 July, from 9pm
One to not be missed – the finale of the Festival of Dance 2022 with drinks and great dance music. Join the cast and crew of the show in our post-production afterparty.
Sunday 24 July, 10:30 – 11am
Short and fun Sunday morning dance session for under 12 year olds at Messums Wiltshire!
Our facilitators will lead the kids through an engaging physical warm up, engage the group in creative tasks and games to experience and enjoy dance! This event is free, parents are welcome to join in.
Sunday 24 July, 11:30am
Join us for the final event of the festival – screening of the famous, award-winning film PINA. Pina Bausch was a much-loved German choreographer whose work was unlike anybody else’s: she transformed stages incorporating nature influences and brought forward the importance of using gestures in choreography, creating distinctive style and building a huge legacy for the contemporary scene.
Photo (top): Todd MacDonald
Thank you to our sponsors:
Alexis and Frances Prenn, Jenny Tozer, Harry MacAuslan, Sophie Caruth, Richard Hanlon, Christina Dawson, Charlie Stone
Thank you to our founder members:
Albertine Pugh, Sarah Radclyffe, Nicholas and Louise Chapman, Michael Elliott, Lou Verrill, Dr CJ Best, Peter Mandelson, Tineke Pugh, Annie Field and Doric Bossom.
PERFORMANCE
