Gouldie: still roaring at 40

THE FLATFOOT Dance Company’s second 2012 collaboration with artSpace in Durban is a one-off installation choreographic event by Durban theatre practitioner David Gouldie.

Titled 40, this work is a retrospective of 40 things, 40 people, 40 events and 40 “small moments” in the lives of the dancers and the choreographer – who has just turned 40.

Known for his neo-classical turn-around of classical ballet and contemporary dance, Gouldie’s award-winning dance theatre work has been hailed as breathtakingly beautiful and conceptually dangerous.

Gouldie, an independent choreographer and events organiser, has collaborated and been a guest choreographer with Flatfoot over the company’s past nine years.

Lliane Loots, artistic director for Flatfoot, said: “Working with him is like watching a magician conjure spells and spectacles. I have learnt to let his brand of theatrical dance magic journey along wherever it goes because I have come to realise that in his absolute genius is also a very astute dance theatre maker who makes sure he brings the audience along.”

The work features a guest performance by Durban songbird Karen van Pletsen playing and singing her original work.

Gouldie said: “What better way to be 40 than to work with some of Durban’s best trained and most gifted dancers in the form of Flatfoot, making a show that challenges audiences to look at art galleries and art spaces differently, and, hopefully, have a glass of wine as you’re doing it.”

• 40 runs at 7pm on Friday at artSpace (Durban). Tickets are R50 (available on the night at the door only).