This year’s Batalo Dance Festival to be held online over Coronavirus

Organisers have announced that the eighth edition of the annual Batalo East Dance Festival set for October 9 to 11 will be held online for fear of the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.

According to the organisers, despite the uncertainty caused by the virus, the annual event will still be held but virtually and broadcast online at no charge to the viewers.

“Anyone and everyone can participate in it while staying at home. The main events will take place on our platform and partner platforms - YouTube, Instagram, and Face book. All performances will be broadcast online at no charge to the viewers,” the British Council said.

“The festival this year is a collective of dance pieces which inspired us and continue to keep the artistic glow alight despite the uncertainty we all face during this trying time. The online festival has the involvement of the regional dance exchanges with dancers from around East Africa, DRC, the Republic of South Africa and the exceptional home grown talent.”

This year’s event, according to organisers will also see a collaboration between Batalo East and Breakin’ Convention, the UK’s most celebrated hip-hop theatre festival supported by the British Council’s Sub Saharan Africa programme Festival Connect.

“Through the skills and networking strand of the programme British Council partners with arts organisations to deliver programmes which: forge networks within and across East Africa and the UK; and share technical, business and digital skills of 18 – 35-year-old creatives.”

“ In 2020 the East Africa Arts programme is working with Batalo East in Uganda to understand the needs and ambitions of the Festival sector as it reimagines collaboration online and connects to a leading Festival partner in the UK.”

The British Council says that as part of the online co-curation process, East African Artists will develop new work with UK Artist and Director of Breakin’ Convention Jonzi D and the Breakin’ Convention team that will be showcased in the 2020 Batalo East Festival online and later into 2021.

The organisers say this is a global collaboration of two festivals and cultures creating art and sharing experiences together as well as bridging the gap between the two continents.

During the dance concert, organisers have in partnership with Africa Speaks  to host an online conference under the topic “Building a sustainable and relevant dance career” which will be graced by artists like Fernando Anuang’ from Kenya, Gregory Maqoma from South Africa, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau from Nigeria, Mercy Nabirye and Antonio Bukhar from Uganda.

“ It is also a great way for teachers and directors of dance schools, centers and companies to stay up to date with the latest developments in choreography and the opportunity to engage with experts in a live broadcast.”