A new contemporary dance platform focused on supporting South African choreography will debut in Cape Town this month as Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography (ACDC) launches the inaugural ACDC Duet Xchange at the Homecoming Centre.
The two-night event will take place at the Star Theatre on Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23, bringing together emerging and established choreographers from across South Africa for a programme centred on collaboration, storytelling and the art of the duet.
According to organisers, more than 90 submissions were received for the inaugural edition, reflecting both the depth of local dance talent and the demand for new performance platforms.
The opening night, titled DXCHANGE 1, will focus on collaborative works and feature choreographers including Janine Booysens, Marlin Zoutman, Deborah McFadden and Anderson Carvalho.
The second evening, DXCHANGE 2, shifts into a competitive performance platform where shortlisted choreographers will present original duet works before an independent jury.
Finalists include Aaghier Isaacs, Nicolas Laubscher, Awonke Mtonjana, Michael Halim, Mbongeni Moyake and Lusindiso Dibela.
Guest performances by Gain Collective and Oorleef Dance Project will also form part of the programme.
Winning choreographers stand to receive a R30 000 jury award and an opportunity to stage a new work at ACDC Dance Intersect 2027, while the audience award winner will receive R15 000.
Carvalho said the platform was created to give choreographers space to experiment and collaborate.
“This is about creating space. We are building a platform where choreographers are empowered to take risks, collaborate meaningfully, and be seen,” he said.
“The duet is one of the most honest forms in dance. It demands connection, vulnerability and precision. Through ACDC Duet Xchange, we are investing in that honesty and in the future of contemporary choreography in South Africa.”
The event is hosted at the Homecoming Centre in District Six, a venue organisers say reflects themes of identity, memory and creative expression.
Tickets cost R150 and organisers said a portion of box office proceeds will go directly to participating local artists.
Ticket giveaway
Cape Community Media and CapeTowner are giving away double tickets to ACDC Duet Xchange.
To enter, like and share the article on Facebook, comment with the name of the person you would take with you, and follow Cape Community Media and CapeTowner on TikTok.
Winners will be selected at random and announced on Wednesday, May 21. Terms and conditions apply.
Event details
ACDC Duet Xchange 2026:
The Art of the Duet Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23
7pm
Star Theatre, Homecoming Centre, District Six, Cape Town
Tickets are available through Webtickets.
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