Bangkok--16 Jul--Patravadi Theatre Four of the most innovative groups of Japanese dance artists, joined by renowned Thai dancer Pichet Klunchun, will hop onto the stage of Bangkok’s Patravadi Theatre on 17 August to present their unique dance performances in “We’re Gonna Go Dancing!!”, a dance touring project brought by Japan Contemporary Dance Network (JCDN). Originally a nationwide touring project within Japan, this year’s “We’re Gonna Go Dancing!!” has grown to become dance ambassador in five cities in four neighboring Asian countries: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Bangkok (Thailand), Manila (The Philippines), Solo and Jakarta (Indonesia). The Asian tour of “We’re Gonna Go Dancing!!” is a multi-event project aims at forging exchange and understanding of the contemporary dance scenes in Japan and the visited countries. Apart from the cutting-edge dance performances brought from Japan, the project facilitates workshops and discussions with different sectors of the local dance community. In addition to that, the network also invites outstanding local dance artists to present their works on the same stage. The four Japan dance groups/artist that take part in this year’s event are Ko&Edge Co. (men trio), Shintai Hyogen Circle (men duo), Ho Ho-Do (women duo) and Masako Yasumoto (woman solo). Coming from different parts of Japan, they share the same interest in challenging and questioning the limits, and at the same time expanding the frontiers and possibilities of, contemporary dance. Joining these creative Japanese spirits on the Thai side is LifeWork Dance Company led by Pichet Klunchun. The group will present a contemporary dance on some people’s die-hard stubbornness. Alongside with the performance are workshops on 18 and 19 August for different dance communities in Bangkok — including the professional dancers, the general public and children. All workshops are free to join. Interested parties can contact Patravadi Theatre. Those who are interested in knowing the contemporary dance development in Japan, and would like to share views on local dance development, are welcomed to join a discussion session on 18 August afternoon. “We’re Gonna Go Dancing!!” began as a nationwide tour project in a bid to encourage artists to present their works outside of their own communities and to share them throughout the country. In the course of selecting the participating artists, a series of activities, which include auditions, getting recommendations from dance spaces and discussions, is held not only to short-list the participants, but also to encourage and locate new artists, to foster a positive environment in the dance community in Japan. Since its establishment in 2001, JCDN has engaged itself in research, information dissemination, creation of a new online booking system, organizing conferences and workshops, publication of dance directory and DVDs, as well as conducting tour and exchange, to foster the growth and development of contemporary dance in and out of Japan. The “We’re Gonna Go Dancing!!” project is organized by Japan Contemporary Dance Network, co-organized by The Japan Foundation (Bangkok) and Patravadi Theatre. The event is Supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs Government of Japan in the fiscal 2007, and 120th Anniversary of Japan-Thailand Diplomatic Relations, 2007. “We’re Gonna Go Dancing!!” Events Date/ Time Event Price Venue/ Booking 17 August (Friday) 8pm Performance(4 Japan dance groups + Pichet Klunchun) 600, 400 baht(Student: 200 baht) ท All events take place at Patravadi Theatre.ท For ticket booking and workshop reservation, please call 024127287 -8 or email [email protected]ท Please visit www.patravaditheatre.com for detailed information 18 August (Saturday) 2pm Workshop for professional dancers Free 18 August (Saturday) 4pm Sharing session on dance scenes in Thailand and Japan Free 19 August (Sunday) 2pm Workshop for general public Free (ticket holders of performance) 19 August (Sunday) 4:30pm Workshop for children Free www.jcdn.org (JCDN) www.jfbkk.or.th (The Japan Foundation, Bangkok) www.patravaditheatre.com (Patravadi Theatre) (END of Press Release) Press inquiry: Toby To (Communications & Development Director, Patravadi Theatre) 02412 7287-8 (Tel) 08 9153 0682 (mobile) [email protected] The Japan Foundation, Bangkok 0260 8560-4 (Tel)