The Durban dance community celebrated the Durban Dance Awards 2005 at the Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf, on November 28. Presented by KZN Dance Link, the awards salute the achievements - under difficult circumstances due to lack of funding - of dancers, choreographers, costume designers and technical staff over the last year.

“Acknowledging the fantastic commitment made by so many people, the awards are a celebration of the warm, honourable and feisty contribution the dance community make to arts in the province,” says KZN Dance Link chairman, Lynn Maree.

Winner for Best Choreography was Sbonakaliso Ndaba. Siyanda Duma and Musa Hlatshwayo were both winners of a Best Performer Award while two Newcomer Awards went to Mxolisi Nkomonde and Rhia Ryan.

Richard Parker (see separate article) of the Playhouse Company won the award for Best Technical and the Costume Award was made to Draupadi Singh for Chalo Cinema.

The special Abalalongi Award for services to dance in KZN went to choreographer and artistic director of Flatfoot Dance Company, Lliane Loots.

Award-winning actress, author, poet, playwright and storyteller Gcina Mhlope delivered the keynote address and present the awards.

More information from Lynn Maree on 031 206 1696.