VietNamNet Bridge – Popular local choreographer/director Tan Loc from Arabesque Dance Group on September 21 announced the third edition of the HCMC International Dance Festival 2016 slated for September 24 to October 1.

A scene in the latest dance performance “Rom” by Arabesque Dance Group

The festival will bring the art of contemporary dance to the local audience. HCMC-based Arabesque and the HCMC performing arts and cinema center are hosting the event, with more than 20 artists from Vietnam, the U.S., Canada, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand attending.

Loc, one of the creators of the acclaimed A O Show, told local media that the art of dancing has not yet developed in the country, so dancers have found it hard to earn a decent living. Holding the festival is an effort of Arabesque to create a platform for artists to perform, exchange and learn from world’s choreographers and directors. Loc expects local spectators to come to support local dancers.

Taiwanese artist Chien Wei Wu         Choreographer Nguyen Tan Loc chats with American artist Sabra Johnson, the winner of the third season of So You Think You Can Dance in the U.S. in 2006, at a press conference held on Tuesday to announce the HCMC International Dance Festival 2016 - Photo: Kieu Giang

Prior to the performance on September 30 and October 1, choreographers from the U.S., South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand will hold workshops for local dancers and those interested in the art of dancing.

The two previous festivals took place in 2013 and 2014.

For more details and ticket bookings, contact 0918 830 138 or email to hidf.arabesquevietnam@gmail.com.

SGT