Bengaluru: The eighth edition of the Attakkalari Biennial is all set to reach new heights with its fresh and cutting edge choreography by newly-discovered talent.The 10-day-festival will have young talent sharing space with works by acclaimed and established dance companies from around the globe, marking the coming of age of the contemporary movement arts in the country.The event will be held across the city from February 3 to 12 at four iconic venues — Ranga Shankara Theatre, Guru Nanak Bhavan, Chowdiah Memorial Hall and Alliance Francaise de Bangalore.

“The festival is organised once in every two years. The Biennial 2017 will comprise of a series of initiatives that have enriched the dance community in Bengaluru and India in general,” Festival Director Jayachandran Palazhy.”These are also great opportunities for the dancers and choreographers who are looking to challenge themselves,” he said. “The programme includes a centre-stage that will feature internationally acclaimed dance companies from South Africa, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Korea, Finland, Norway and Germany,” he added.

Attakkalari’s latest choreography, ‘Bhinna Vinyasa’ will also have its world premiere as part of this event.Many exciting events are planned to animate the cityscape, encouraging citizens to groove with dancers and choreographers of their choice from different parts of the world.Site-specific performances, city walks, master classes, workshops, film screenings and other lead-up activities will offer dance enthusiasts opportunities to actively participate in the festival.”This festival also marks the 15th anniversary of Attakkalari’s continued efforts of disseminating and sustaining contemporary movement arts in and beyond the city,” Palazhy said, adding: “These artists have carved a niche with their work and have emerged as important players in the field of contemporary movement arts.”