DUST explores the element of powder and all that this can be for a dancer. From using powder to create shapes, sounds, and effects, to delving into what dust means for the seasons of the year. We journey through it all, creating a work of art as we go.
DUST was born after experimenting with powder during a photoshoot. Since then, the ideas for what else could be done with powder while dancing have flowed through and allowed this idea to evolve into something so much more. As another experimental contemporary dance work created by our founders, we hope DUST shows you the beauty of nature, the range of dance and the impact of art.
Join us while our dancers take you on an adventure of this amazing element.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Concept creation and choreography by Melissa Schafer and Candice Schafer
Music from various sources
Staged and performed by dancers of Live to Move Dance Company
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Melissa Schafer – Dancer and Choreographer
My dance career began with my first ballet class at the age of 4. I trained in RAD ballet, obtaining Distinctions in all my exams. Attending the National School of the Arts I also trained in contemporary, jazz, African and Spanish dance. While at NSA I was able to perform in festivals such as The National Arts Festival and Tshwane Youth Festival. In 2011 and 2012, I had the opportunity to dance with Mzansi Productions in Don Quixote and Joburg Ballet in Sleeping Beauty. In 2013 I completed my Graduate Year with Joburg Ballet after which I worked with Dance in Art in Haarlem, The Netherlands (2014), training in contemporary dance. I then danced on board Costa Pacifica, working with Afro Arimba Productions and in 2018 I had the privilege to perform in ‘Doll’ at the Dance Umbrella Festival. Now as the Artistic Director of Live to Move Dance Company, formed in 2019, I hope to bring more opportunities for Dance in South Africa.
Candice Schafer – Choreographer
I began my ballet studies at the age of 4 under the tutelage of Magda Hilligan, Hayley Pienaar, Karen Beukes and Jacqui Wells. I attended the National School of the Arts matriculating in 2013 majoring in contemporary dance with full colours in Dance Performance. During these studies I achieved Distinctions in not only Ballet but also Contemporary and Spanish Dance. Along the way I performed with Mzansi Productions in Don Quixote, The South African Ballet Theatre’s production of Le Corsaire as well as at the National Arts Festival. Furthermore I have performed at various corporate events. I have taught at various studios such as Manuela Loureiro Dance Academy, Reddam House Bedfordview, Marie Sadie Ballet and National Academy, Paula Lopes School of Dance and Penny Molfessis Ballet Academy. Currently I have completed my Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate and Imperial Society of Modern Dance Associates. I am also a founder of Live to Move Dance Company, and I continue to stay connected to the company and choreographing with them, all while teaching ballet in Beijing.