Six Basque companies at Tanzmesse

Dantzaz, Igor and Moreno, Jone San Martin, Kukai Dantza, La Glo Zirko Dantza eta Lŏkke | Olatz de Andrés are the names of the Basque companies and artists at the twelfth edition of Internationale Tanzmesse, the world´s largest gathering of professionals dedicated exclusively to contemporary dance, and the most important international event for the industry. Tanzmesse will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from August 29th to September 1st. Every two years the event brings together more than 500 companies and over 1,500 choreographers, dancers, agencies, representatives, distributors and cultural institutions, providing a unique opportunity to showcase their work to industry audiences, learn first-hand what’s happening in each country and international circuits, and make contacts.

Dantzaz, Igor and Moreno, Jone San Martin, Kukai Dantza, La Glo Zirko Dantza eta Lŏkke | Olatz de Andrés are the names of the Basque companies and artists at the twelfth edition of Internationale Tanzmesse, the world´s largest gathering of professionals dedicated exclusively to contemporary dance, and the most important international event for the industry. Tanzmesse will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from August 29th to September 1st. Every two years the event brings together more than 500 companies and over 1,500 choreographers, dancers, agencies, representatives, distributors and cultural institutions, providing a unique opportunity to showcase their work to industry audiences, learn first-hand what’s happening in each country and international circuits, and make contacts.

For the second time, the Basque scene will be represented under the Basque Dance brand, promoted by the Etxepare Basque Institute in collaboration with ADDE  (Association of Dance Professionals of the Basque Country), aimed at providing the sector with the greatest visibility and support. The catalogue of Basque dance productions, produced by ADDE, which features 77 productions by over 40 companies, creators or collectives will be made available at the stand.

Kukai Dantza and Jone San Martin included in the programme

In addition to hosting a fair in the traditional sense, with its stands, professional meetings and encounters, Internationale Tanzmesse is a showcase for companies and artists to perform their shows at the city’s best venues before an influential audience.

This year, two Basque dance companies have earned a place on the Tanzmesse calendar: Kukai Dantza and Jone San Martin.

Kukai Dantza, directed by Jon Maya, will open the festival with Oskara. The piece is a combination of two choreographic universes and two takes on dance that fall somewhere between popular roots and avant-garde expression. Oskara will come to Tanzmesse after an amazing response from audiences and critics and backed by three Max Awards and the National Dance Award, among other accolades. After over 70 performances in Spain, Oskara is embarking on an international tour that will take it to theatres in Brussels, Monte Carlo, Sofia and Bremen. For Kukai Dantza’s director, bringing the show to Tanzmesse "a guarantee for success". Jon Maya is excited because a opportunity like this at an international fair can extend the life of Oskara and help the company expand internationally. The date is set for Wednesday, August 29th, at the Capitol Theatre, the largest in the city.