Dance Intersect 2025: a celebration of global dance in Cape Town

This October, the stage of Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre will be transformed into a vibrant tapestry of movement and expression as Dance Intersect 2025 takes centre stage from 2nd to 4th of October. This transformative event invites artists from across the globe to come together in a celebration of dance, creativity, and cultural exchange.

What began as a bold initiative is rapidly blossoming into a premier cultural platform, where international and South African companies can share the same stage, rehearsal studios, and community spaces, blending diverse traditions and artistic practices into something truly spectacular.

This year’s programme is particularly exciting, showcasing the South African premiere of “Fragmented Landscape” by the Netherlands’ Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography (ACDC) and the renowned Dutch company DOX. In a landmark moment for the South African arts scene, the Greek National Opera Ballet will perform in South Africa for the first time, enriching the festival's cultural palette. Additionally, local talent will shine through new works presented by Cape Town’s New World Dance Theatre, featuring innovative choreographers Chesney Stanfield and Emile Petersen.

Anderson Carvalho, the visionary behind ACDC, encapsulates the essence of the festival: “Dance Intersect is about dissolving borders - between countries, between communities, between people. On stage and in our workshops, we create spaces where cultural exchange becomes tangible and where every dancer, no matter where they are from, can see themselves as part of something bigger. This is the true power of dance.” His perspective highlights how each performance is not merely a display of talent but an avenue for social cohesion and understanding.

Moreover, Dance Intersect extends its influence beyond the concert hall with outreach workshops in communities such as Phillippi and Langa. As producer Elvis Sibeko notes, “These workshops go beyond exchanging dance movements - they create a safe space where stories are shared, voices are heard, and inspiration flows both ways.” The mutual engagement fosters a transformative experience for both the professional and amateur dancers alike, local youth find their ambitions and drive reflected in the artists from ACDC, while the international dancers are inspired by the resilience and passion of their young South African counterparts.

With its blend of international collaboration and grassroots engagement, Dance Intersect 2025 is proving that the language of dance transcends all borders. It forges connections where they are most needed: between cultures, communities, and individuals.