May 15, Ethiopian dance
The Iraqi poet Al Galidi opened the first independent Danskaravaan, reading poems from his volume ‘The Bicycle, the Woman and Love’, also introducing the world movie premiere of ‘Dances of Ecstasy’ by the Australian filmmaker Michelle Mahrer. In the evening the audience enjoyed the effervescent performance of dancer/singer Minyeshu and her Chewata band.
May 16, Iranian Dervish and Egyptian Zikr
Maryam Linders conducted an inspired Iranian Dervish dance workshop, followed by a lively workshop on Egyptian Zikr by Sabri Saad el Hamus. In the evening Maryam performed a Dervish dance, accompanied by four Iranian musicians and a poet. The evening was closed by the Tombaz ensemble playing Turkish music from the twenties, including original tango compositions.
May 18, Basque and Irish dance
Kimetz Larranaga and his partner, both from the Basque Country, conducted a Basque dance workshop, followed by an Irish dance workshop by Sean Kilkenny. In the evening both Kilkenny and his school and the Basques gave performances. As an encore they danced together. The Basques and their musicians joined Sharon Bradley to play the music for the final dance party.
May 17, Indian and Indonesian Martial Arts
Manisha Bhargava conducted a Chhau workshop, followed by a Pencak silat workshop, provided by Charles Renoult. In the evening Manisha performed two Chhau dances, respectively about the goddess Durga and Brahma. Renoult then visualised the cardinal points, after which he and Manisha danced a modern duet to Indian music. The singer Dyzack, from The Hague, ended the evening, joined by Droeh Nanku and his musicians.
