da:ns Festival 2007 promises a great mix of performances, outreach programmes and workshops at the Esplanade and beyond. Top-line international companies command the spotlight in the ‘Centrestage’ programme at the Esplanade Theatre, while cutting-edge contemporary dance holds court in the ‘Shift’ series at the Theatre Studio. Regional cultural dances feature in showcases at the Concourse in the ‘Rasas’ programme, and there are also performances by LaSalle (13 & 14 Oct, Rehearsal Studio) and NAFA (21 Oct, Recital Studio), free dance classes at the Powerhouse, and much more. 

In ‘Centrestage’, must-sees include the Zurich Ballet’s contemporary work by Heinz Spoerli in Cello Suites – Winds in the Void (11 & 12 Oct) and the dazzling prima ballerina Ulyana Lopatkina with ‘Stars of Russian Ballet’ (13 Oct). The passion and spirit continues with Compañía María Pagés in her choreography Sevilla (16 & 17 Oct), which combines the fire of flamenco with contemporary sensuality. And a favourite from last year, Batsheva Dance Company (19 & 20 Oct), returns to present the multi-faceted dance, Telophaza, by Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin. 

‘Shift’ is for the adventurous enthusiasts that want to dive into the deep end of experimental contemporary dance. Highlights include ex-Singapore Dance Theatre star Kuik Swee Boon’s new choreography, Silence (12 Oct), Australia’s Lucy Guerin Inc. in Aether (18 Oct) and The Show Must Go On by French wild-child Jérôme Bel (20 Oct). For a multicultural presentation, see About Khon, a collaboration between acclaimed Thai dancer Pichet Klunchun and Bel (19 Oct). 

Taking a 180-degree turn in terms of accessibility is ‘Rasas’, the third part of the festival. This programme at the Esplanade Concourse offers free performances, showcasing dancers from Bali, Japan, the Philippines, India and Cambodia. 

If you’d rather get in on the action, try free classes, from salsa to Bollywood Boogie, in ‘What’s Your Move?’ at the Powerhouse (11-21 Oct). Or you can take your final steps with American choreographer and Justin Timberlake dancer Marty Kudelka, at the mega ‘Overdrive Dance Party’ (20 Oct) at the Esplanade Concourse – definitely the place to be and be seen.