Over the last few months we’ve been talking to our company dancers about why they joined the company and what our latest touring work IZINDAVA means to them.
Meet Dancer and Rehearsal Assistant Lisa Rowley who joined Tavaziva in 2009
How have you found your new role as rehearsal assistant? I’ve really enjoyed the increased responsibility because it’s given me a new challenge. It’s been great to have six new dancers and to be able to watch them, take things and be inspired by each one of them and their way of moving.
What do you take from the show? For me the main message is life is short, stop war and love more.
Meet Dancer Luke Crook who joined Tavaziva in July 2017
Why did you audition for Tavaziva? Because of the reputation the company had for challenging physicality and a strong work ethic.
What is your favourite thing about being a company dancer? Specifically for this company is that we are all appreciated for our own individual qualities.
Describe Izindava in 3 words… Thought Provoking Journey
Meet Apprentice Dancer Nicole Victor who joined Tavaziva in July 2017
Why did you audition for Tavaziva? When the apprenticeship auditions came out I knew Tavaziva was one of the top companies I wanted to audition for, after seeing Africarman the previous year, its challenging physicality and unique mixture of different dance styles excited me.
What is your favourite thing about being a company member? The privilege of being able to work with such a diverse group of dancers and team. I have learnt so much from each individual person from rehearsals in the studio to performance days on tour. I feel very much part of the Tavaziva family.
Describe Izindava in 3 words…Relatable, Intense, Emotional
Meet Dancer Tom Shale-Coates who joined Tavaziva in July 2017
Why did you audition for Tavaziva? I auditioned for Tav because I was inspired by the sheer energy strength I witnessed when watching the company and also how the movement vocabulary intrigued me.
What is your favourite thing about being a company dancer? My favourite thing is the energy between the whole company. We have only been together a few short months but we have made a real connection and I truly believe you can see this when we are on the stage.
Describe Izindava in 3 words… Honesty, strength, thought-provoking
Meet Apprentice Dancer Asmara cammock who joined Tavaziva in July 2017
Why did you audition for Tavaziva? I auditioned for Tav because I felt as though it was company that mixed contemporary, ballet and African dance perfectly. I also loved the physicality of the dancers and doing Bawrens movement felt as if it was made for me.
What is your favourite thing about being a company member? Being surrounded by such talented artists.
Describe Izindava in 3 words…Challenging, Therapeutic, Passionate
Meet Dancer Andy Race who joined Tavaziva in July 2017
Why did you audition for Tavaziva? I auditioned for Tavaziva because I love Bawren’s physicality, movement vocabulary. It’s challenging and knew I would love it.
What is your favourite thing about being a company member? The best thing about being a dancer is being part of a company. We are all very supportive of each other and understand the challenges of the work and help each other to grow and develop.
Describe Izindava in 3 words… Powerful, physical, emotive
Meet Dancer Yaa Appiah-badu who joined Tavaziva in July 2017
Why did you audition for Tavaziva? I love the physicality of Bawren’ s work, and the strength and power of the dancers. I knew this was a company where I would be pushed and challenged.
What is your favourite thing about being a company dancer? We are all very supportive and encouraging to one another, which is so important as this piece is challenging, both physically and mentally.
Describe Izindava in 3 words… Emotive, Inspiring, Relevant