ACDC Dance Intersect 2025: a celebration of global dance in Cape Town
Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography (ACDC) is a Netherlands-based Non-Profit Contemporary Dance Foundation founded by acclaimed Brazilian-Dutch choreographer Anderson Carvalho.
Image: Anna Lenartowska
Cape Town is poised to resonate with the vibrant energy of international dance as the ACDC Dance Intersect 2025 takes centre stage from 2 to 4 October at the prestigious Artscape Theatre. This remarkable event is not only a celebration of dance but it embodies a rich tapestry of cross-cultural collaboration, showcasing both classical and contemporary ballet performances that promise to leave an indelible mark on audiences.
At the heart of ACDC Dance Intersect 2025 lies a spirit of artistic exchange. This year’s festival will feature the esteemed Greek National Opera Ballet making its South African debut, alongside renowned choreographers and dance companies from the Netherlands, Brazil, and various African nations. Produced by South Africa's own Elvis Sibeko, the event is an ambitious initiative led by internationally acclaimed choreographer Anderson Carvalho, the founder of Anderson Carvalho Dance and Choreography (ACDC). Its goal is to unite audiences and artists through the universal language of dance.
“Dance Intersect is not just a performance - it's a meeting point for cultures, ideas, and bodies in motion,” Carvalho expresses. Infusing his Brazilian heritage with classical and contemporary forms, he aims to initiate new dialogues through movement, encouraging an exchange of stories and techniques that broaden artistic horizons. “We are here to spark new conversations through movement; to show what’s possible when we listen to each other through art,” he adds.
Cape Town, a city imbued with a rich cultural history and dynamic creative energy, serves as the ideal backdrop for this celebration. Audiences can anticipate a captivating array of performances, including neoclassical pieces, Afro-contemporary fusions, and avant-garde ballet, all delving into themes of identity, transformation, and unity.
Anderson Carvalho is an internationally acclaimed choreographer, dancer, and creative director whose dynamic career spans Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. Originally from Brazil and now based in the Netherlands, Anderson has collaborated with leading dance institutions, including the Greek National Opera Ballet, DOX Utrecht, and Dansmakers Amsterdam.
Image: Marko de Beer
Elvis Sibeko, the producer known for his innovative blend of traditional African storytelling with contemporary performance, remarks: “This is a moment of pride for South African dance. We’re not only sharing our stories but expanding our artistic vocabulary through collaborations with world-class performers. It's a new chapter for cultural exchange on the continent.”
Among the programme highlights are:
- The South African premiere of Fragmented Landscape, a co-production between ACDC and the Dutch company DOX, featuring a diverse ensemble of dancers.
- A debut performance by the Greek National Opera Ballet, showcasing classical artistry rooted in Mediterranean traditions.
- A contemporary exhibition from New World Dance Theatre, highlighting the local talent of Cape Town.
- A new choreographic work by Guest Choreographers Chesney Stanfield and Emile Petersen, exploring innovative narratives through movement.
Beyond the stage, Dance Intersect 2025 will engage audiences through open rehearsals, public masterclasses, and school outreach sessions—immersing young dancers, students, and dance enthusiasts in the creation process and celebrating the power of collaboration.
This year's festival proudly receives support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tristan Finance, the Van Ewijck foundation, and the Embassy of Spain in South Africa.