VietNamNet Bridge – Disabled and non-disabled artists of Candoco contemporary dance company are set to perform in Vietnam for the first time on September 29 in Hanoi, and on October 3 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Candoco represented Great Britain at the 2008 Handover Ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics and Paralympic Games, the first time disabled artists appeared in both events in the history of the games.

Candoco's Vietnam Tour is organised by the British Council in Vietnam to celebrate 40 years of Vietnam - UK diplomatic relations and 20 years of the British Council in Vietnam.

The Hanoi performance will open with a special number involving four disabled children from Nghi luc song (The Will to Live) Centre and artists from the Hanoi Youth Theatre.

This opening piece, referred to as the choreographic residence, is an idea created by Candoco as they have toured the world, and has been included in many other country visits, creating an opportunity to bring change in the perception of and association with disability. Just as importantly, participants gain a huge sense of achievement, pride and confidence by taking part in the performance.

Among the eight Candoco artists coming to Vietnam, three have physical disabilities. Together they will showcase a triple bill of contemporary dances, consisting of Studies for C, Set and Reset/Reset and Imperfect Storm.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Candoco will conduct a dance workshop for street and migrant children in collaboration with SOUL Academy. SOUL Academy, with its focus on music education, was founded by Thanh Bui, a finalist in the sixth season of the Australian Idol contest.

Chris Brown, the country director for the British Council in Vietnam said: 'We are delighted to bring Candoco to Vietnam, particularly during the UK’s GREAT Week’.

'Over the past 20 years, Candoco artists, including those who are disabled, have never stopped learning, innovating and inspiring. It’s very interesting to see that “Inspire, Learn and Innovate” is also the theme of this anniversary year of Vietnam - UK relations.'

During their time in Vietnam, Candoco will also take part in the international dance festival in Hanoi, called 'Europe meets Asia in Contemporary Dance', in which they will perform In Translation, an intricate piece by Emanuel Gat.

Source: Nhan Dan