The ACDC Duet Xchange has launched bold new platform for South African choreography at Cape Town'sHomecoming Centre
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The ACDC Duet Xchange - a riveting new platform for choreographic innovation - is set to light up the Mother City Theatre this weekend.
The bi-annual competition will be presented by the Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography (ACDC) at the Homecoming Centre’s Star Theatre on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23.
This curated programme will focus on collaborative exchange as well as high-stakes competition, placing a new generation of choreographic voices alongside established creators.
This initiative has been established to improve the nation’s contemporary dance movement by placing choreographers, collaboration and new work in the spotlight.
The inaugural event received over 90 entries received this year, showcasing the depth of talent as well as the need for opportunities for original dance-making in South Africa.
ACDC Duet Xchange is determined to celebrate the art of the duet, which is a form that is intimate, immediate and deeply human.
The opening night, DXCHANGE 1, will unfold as a collaborative platform bringing together leading voices in contemporary dance. Audiences can expect contributions from Janine Booysens, Marlin Zoutman, Deborah McFadden and Anderson Carvalho, creating a shared creative space that celebrates artistic exchange and innovation between local and international practitioners.
DXCHANGE 2 will shift into a performance and competition platform, where shortlisted choreographers present newly created duet works before a live audience and judging panel. Finalists include Aaghier Isaacs, Nicolas Laubscher, Awonke Mtonjana, Michael Halim, Mbongeni Moyake and Lusindiso Dibela, alongside guest companies Gain Collective and Oorleef Dance Project. Winners of the ACDC Duet Xchange will receive a R30 000 Jury Award and the opportunity to stage a new work at ACDC Dance Intersect 2027, while the Audience Award winner will walk away with R15 000 - a significant investment into the future of choreographic development in South Africa.
While ACDC Duet Xchange is curated by Carvalho, final award decisions will be made by an independent jury. This is to ensure a fair and objective adjudication process.
In selecting the finalists from over 90 submissions, Carvalho was drawn to works that pushed beyond form into meaning.
“I was looking for a distinct movement language -something that moves beyond geometry into feeling,” he explained.
Carvalho added: “Work that is contemporary but grounded. Work that tells a story through the body - where imagery, diversity, and narrative are carried clearly through the movement. The duet demands honesty, and I was looking for artists who could hold that truth.”
Carvalho also believes that this is a platform for the future.“This is about creating space,” he said.
“We are building a platform where choreographers are empowered to take risks, collaborate meaningfully and be seen. The duet is one of the most honest forms in dance - it demands connection, vulnerability and precision.”
Day 1 Highlights (May 22):
Convergence - Janine Booysens
Speak the Hidden - New World Dance Theatre
New work - Northern Dance Project
Intimacy of the Skin - Anderson Carvalho
Day 2 Highlights (May 23):
Unraveled - Aaghier Isaacs
Tainted – Nicolas Laubscher
Salt in My Mouth - Awonke Mtonjana
Parasite - Michael Halim
The Third Day - Mbongeni Moyake
By My Stripes I Shall be Known - Lusindiso Dibela
Guest works: Discord (Gain Collective), Onrus (Oorleef Dance Project)