Introdans, the popular contemporary ballet troupe from the Netherlands, returns to Bangkok next month with a very varied repertoire
Dutch contemporary ballet troupe Introdans will be back in the Kingdom next month for Bangkok's 13th International Festival of Dance and Music and this time, under the theme "Old Masters, Contemporary Partners, New Talent", they'll be presenting four highlights from their vast repertoire.
"In Memoriam" exudes a mystic aura as women and men in long skirts spin like Turkish whirling dervishes to haunting laments. "Evening Song", set to choral music, focuses on the sculptural beauty of pure movement, while "Sechs Tanze" makes good use of visual humour with ball gown cut-outs gliding smoothly, with and without heads, across the stage. On the other foot, "Indigo Rose" is a collage of expressive, intriguing dances set against a striking minimal background.
Three of these works were choreographed by master Jiri Kylian. As the artistic director of Nederland Dans Theatre for 25 years until his retirement in 2009, the Czech racked up numerous awards. Of these, possibly the greatest was the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement he received in 2008 during the 6th International Festival of Contemporary Dance at the Biennale of Venice. Later that year, he picked up a Medal of Honour from Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
Kick-started in 1971, Introdans has grown into a top dance company. With a healthy dose of ambition, the company remains true to its mission of presenting high quality dance to a wide range of people.
Just two years ago, Introdans was designated part of the basic national infrastructure of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. With the Canon of Introdans, the two dance ensembles present a varied and attractive modern ballet repertoire.
Having become the city of Arnhem's flagship company, Introdans performs in theatres throughout the Netherlands and travels the world: both ensembles are frequent guests on international stages. HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands is the patroness of Introdans.
The company's co-founder and general director is Ton Wiggers. On the 25th anniversary of Introdans in 1996, Wiggers was made a Knight in the Order of the Dutch Lion. Since then he has amassed many other honours and accolades in his homeland.
Artistic Director Roel Voorintholt is another veteran of the company. His feet are planted firmly in both dancing and choreography.
Much more than just a performing troupe, Introdans is bringing four decades of experience and skill to the stage in Thailand to put on four, wildly and deliciously different choreographic pieces, featuring music by Mozart, Dvorak and John Cage, with sets, costumes and movements ready to dazzle.
Supported by the Embassy of Netherlands, ING Life, Heineken, Philips, Shell and TMB, the performance will be on September 28.
- Tickets for the show are priced at Bt2,200, Bt1,700, Bt1,400, Bt1,200 and Bt700. They are available from ThaiTicketMajor or by calling the hotline at (02) 262 3191.
- The festival is sponsored by Bang-kok Bank, Beiersdorf, B. Grimm, Canadoil Group, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Nation Group, SCG, Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Toyota Motor Thailand.
