International male dancers set to perform in ArtDance show

An all-male performance featuring professional dancers from international acts will be held at John Mackintosh Square next month.

This is the third year the ArtDance show will be held in Gibraltar but this year’s performance will combine art, dance, theatre and comedy.

The performance will be held on Saturday May 4 and entry is free of charge but tickets have to be reserved online.

In addition, ArtDance will be hosting a series of workshops, starting with a lighting workshop next week.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday night, Nathan Conroy, producer for ArtDance Gibraltar, said: “This year all the dancers we will see on stage are male.”

“For me this is very important because in my career I had a lot of difficulty with all the stereotypes about male dancers.”

“Things are changing now and this will also hopefully inspire more boys to continue with dance and will help young boys see what the professional world for male dancers entails.”

ArtDance will focus on contemporary dance and will open the doors to see what is happening in the ever-evolving world of professional dancers.

Mr Conroy said Gibraltar has traditionally focused on the competitive side of dancing, but hopes this event will showcase the more theatrical side of things.

Iron Skulls Co have been invited to perform in Gibraltar once again, as well as Cyr Wheel acrobatic solo act by David Vento from Madrid, break company FreeFly Crew from the UK and Wayward Thread who will combine dance and comedy in their act.

Co-producer Joelle Montegriffo said bboys Southern Kids Crew will also perform on the evening and local acts Art in Movement and Innovations will share the stage with these international acts.

Workshops have been organised for local dancers hoping to pick up tips and tricks from the professionals during that weekend.

Wayward Thread will hold a dance workshop on Friday May 3 from 6pm to 7.30pm and Iron Skulls Co will be holding their dance workshop on Saturday morning at 11am.

In addition, ArtDance will be offering a three-day technical lighting and sound workshop with Mark Cortes in the John Mackintosh Hall theatre.

It is open to students of all ages and begins this Monday until Wednesday.

At the end of the course, students can test out their new skills during a 40-minute performance for the public.

To reserve tickets for the main event, visit www.buytickets.gi.
For more information, visit the ArtDance Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/artdancegibraltar/ or email gibraltar.artdance@gmail.com.