Every year Springdance brings a world of current international dance and performance to the city of Utrecht in a two-week long festival of events, performances, installations and discussions, in diverse locations throughout the city. The festival shows work by independent dance makers from the Netherlands and abroad, by young makers as well as by more established ones.
During Springdance, the Dialogue takes place: an international mentor-led artist development programme for emerging makers from all over the world. Together with international partners this offers support for these makers in their artistic development through dialogue, discussion and presentation. In 2008, Springdance integrates for the first time its festival with the Dialogue. The Dialogue also takes place in two other countries.
This year’s festival programme has been put together by SPRINGDANCE 2008 curator Gabriel Smeets (artistic director of the Amsterdam School for New Dance Development), who stresses again the need for Springdance from his enthusiasm and passion for dance. Gabriel Smeets has favoured artists with a distinct view of the body and of the physical aspects of dance. And with an awareness of the tradition from which they operate, whether tentatively, unexpectedly, firmly, hesitantly, or passionately expressed.