BIENNALE DE DANSE OF SEYCHELLES

The 10th edition of the Biennale de danse of Seychelles was launched on 20 August and ended with a dance gala evening on 2 September at the International Conference Centre Seychelles. 

This year’s biennale began with a 10-day dance workshop with choreographers and dancers from six countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rodrigues Island, Mauritius, Russia, Seychelles and Cuba which took part virtually.

The dance gala, organised by the National Conservatoire of Performing Arts – School of Dance, under the umbrella of the National Arts and Crafts Council (NACC), included performances by all the countries, showcasing their interpretation of this year’s chosen theme: water. A total of 21 dancers took part in the ‘Biennale de danse’, excluding Cuba, whose dancers performed virtually. Seychelles had a group of seven dancers for the workshop and another group of nine for the choreography. The main choreographer of this year’s biennale was South African Refiloe Mogoje. Her travel to Seychelles was sponsored by the tourism department while the culture department bore the cost for all dancers locally. 
The gala concluded with an award and prize-giving ceremony for the participants and presentation of gift to each delegation.

For the next edition of the Biennale de danse, the director for the National Conservatoire of Performing Arts: Pierre Joseph, wishes to broaden the show and involve more young Seychellois to give them exposure to contemporary dance.
The 11th edition of the Biennale de danse will take place in 2025.