SA: Indonesian choreographer wins inaugural Duet Xchange competition

Presented by Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography, the initiative was established to support emerging choreographic voices, encourage artistic collaboration and provide a platform centred on duet-based contemporary dance works.

The two-day programme opened on 22 May with performances from established choreographers before shifting to a competitive showcase on Saturday featuring shortlisted participants.

The opening programme included work by Janine Booysens, New World Dance Theatre and Northern Dance Project, alongside a video art project by Anderson Carvalho Dance & Choreography.

The inaugural competition was won by Michael Halim for his work Parasite, which judges recognised for its movement language, visual imagery and choreographic approach.

Halim received a first prize of R30 000, which will support the development of a new work scheduled to be presented at Dance Intersect 2027. Second prize, valued at R15 000, was awarded to South African choreographer Nicolas Laubscher for his work Tainted.

“The success of ACDC Duet Xchange is a collective success, a reminder that collaboration is not only possible, but powerful,” founder and creator Anderson Carvalho said. “It affirms that diverse voices can meet, merge, intersect, and inspire one another to aspire beyond individual boundaries.”

Carvalho said the platform was designed to provide opportunities for experimentation and visibility within choreography.

“Duet Xchange was created to give choreographers space to test, risk, connect and be seen. What we witnessed over these two nights was not only talent, but courage – artists using the duet form to tell stories through the body in ways that were deeply human, contemporary and alive.”

Jury member and choreographer Janine Booysens said the selected works demonstrated diversity in style and storytelling.

“What stood out was the honesty of the work. The duet is a demanding form because there is nowhere to hide. It asks for presence, trust and precision, and the finalists brought a remarkable range of voices, textures and stories to the stage.”

Organisers said more than 50 submissions were received during the inaugural open call process, reflecting interest from the contemporary dance community.

Alongside the performances, the programme also included a Choreographic Xchange masterclass led by Spanish-Dutch choreographer Marta Reig Torres, providing participating artists with opportunities for creative engagement and artistic exchange.

Duet Xchange is expected to return as a bi-annual event, with organisers indicating that future editions will continue focusing on choreography development and artistic experimentation within South Africa’s contemporary dance sector.