09/08/2026
Happy Women’s Day!
📸 photos from the dance & poetry performance Unseen Women.
“So I dance,
not to perform,
but to testify
that I am not just alive —
I am the voice in the room,
I am light.”
— an extract from the poetry of Merle Danhouse Merle Danhouse
Unseen Women is a performance exploring identity, resilience, and the power of reclaiming one’s story. It brings together a collective of women from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own experiences, emotions, and relationship with movement into the creative process.
Together, they created a space of trust, expression and connection — a space where vulnerability meets strength, and where stories once untold can finally find their voice.
07/07/2026
Contemporary Dance Laboratory (CDL) was proud to collaborate with musician Lionel John Maharajah, videographer Ethan Vaughan and dancer Támari Theron as movement directors for the music video NIGHTMARE.
This project demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. Working across music, film, theatre, education, and community projects creates valuable professional experience for artists.
See Lionel John Maharajah live in Paarl on 24 July 2026. Find concert details and the booking link on his page.
🎥 Watch the full NIGHTMARE music video on YouTube (in the first comment)
📩 We'd love to partner with you to create engaging, meaningful experiences through dance.
Whether you're a musician, filmmaker, theatre company, school, festival, business, or community organisation, let's explore how movement can elevate your next project.
Get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
02/07/2026
🟢 OPEN CALL – Male Dancer
Join the Award-Winning Contemporary Dance Production The Forest
Contemporary Dance Laboratory (CDL) is looking for one male dancer (21–35 years) to join The Forest, winner of an Ovation Award at the 2025 National Arts Festival.
This is a paid professional opportunity for dancers who enjoy performing, working with children, and developing their contemporary dance practice.
📅 Audition
Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026
Time: 11:00
Venue: CDL Dance Studio (Patriot Square, Van der Lingen Street, Esterville, Paarl)
Prepare:
• Solo dance (max. 1 minute, any style)
• Improvisation task (given on the day)
We're looking for someone who:
🎯 Is 21–35 years old and preferably based in Paarl or nearby areas
🎯 Has dance experience (all styles welcome; contemporary and street dance are an advantage)
🎯 Has strong improvisation skills
🎯 Is reliable, collaborative, and open to creative exploration
🎯 Has the skills to work with children and engage young audiences in an age-appropriate and meaningful way
🎯 Demonstrates an understanding of child development and communication with children; previous experience working with children is a strong advantage
Project Schedule
📍 Rehearsals: 24–28 July (Paarl), 4 hours per day
🎭 Cape Town performances: 31 July–15 August (Performances take place every Friday and Saturday at the Baxter Theatre)
🚍 Johannesburg tour: 31 August–6 September (final schedule to be confirmed)
Applicants must be available for the full rehearsal and performance period.
🌿 About The Forest
Inspired by The Forest Song by Lesya Ukrainka, the production combines contemporary dance, Amapiano movement, Ukrainian folk music, animation and interactive storytelling to explore imagination, identity and our relationship with nature.
🎥 Watch the teaser - link in the first comment.
Why join?
✔ Earn up to R5,000 per week
✔ Perform at the Baxter Theatre (Cape Town) and on tour in Johannesburg
✔ Work with an international creative team
✔ Receive mentorship in contemporary dance, improvisation and composition
✔ Join an award-winning production
Apply by 15 July 2026 (18:00)
Send your CV and a 1–2 minute dance video to:
📧 [email protected]
Questions?
+27 82 722 7231 WhatsApp
We'd love to dance with you!
07/07/2026
02/07/2026