En–Knap & Iztok Kovač

Beware, Dance! 2 (Take a Chance on Dance)

55 min

#earlier works

2015

Through an attractive combination of dance, video, projections and conversation, the international ensemble of En–Knap Group introduces young audiences to the world of contemporary dance. The performance explains contemporary dance in a clear and engaging way, challenging common misconceptions and providing an essential introduction to the art form. Combining a strong visual identity, music, multimedia elements and an outstanding creative team, it offers a unique theatrical experience. In its review of Beware, Dance, the Slovenian daily Delo described the performance as not merely a dance production, but “an outstanding lesson in contemporary dance”, recommending it especially to young audiences and their teachers. Take a Chance on Dance continues the mission and invites audiences to discover everything they always wanted to know about dance—but never dared to ask.

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In 2015, Iztok Kovač and En–Knap Group presented Take a Chance on Dance, an internationally oriented sequel to the successful educational performance Beware, Dance, first created in 2010. The new production retained the playful and engaging formula of the original, which had already attracted nearly 10,000 spectators—a remarkable achievement for a contemporary dance performance in Slovenia.

Expanding the scope of the original performance, Take a Chance on Dance offers an accessible overview of the international history of contemporary dance throughout the twentieth century. It explores the origins of the art form and introduces some of the key choreographers, artists and historical figures who shaped contemporary dance and movement theatre.

bio

Iztok Kovač is a choreographer and founder of En–Knap. Following the international success of his solo How I Caught a Falcon (1991), he became one of the key figures in the development of Slovenian contemporary dance. He founded En–Knap Group, Slovenia's first permanent contemporary dance ensemble, and serves as artistic director of both En–Knap and the Španski borci Cultural Centre. His works have toured internationally for more than three decades. Additionally, his artistic practice includes six dance films, international pedagogical work, guest choreography and the direction of major national events in Slovenia. During the Covid period, he initiated Stage360, developing dance works in virtual reality.

credits

Concept and Direction Iztok Kovač

Created and Performed by En–Knap Group Luke Thomas Dunne, Ida Hellsten, Lisa Magnan, Bence Mezei, Noriko Nishidate, Anja Rupnik, Ana Štefanec, Tamás Tuza

Featuring excerpts from works by Iztok Kovač, Simone Sandroni, Csaba Molnár, Matjaž Zupančič and Sašo Podgoršek

Music John Zorn, Drago Ivanuša, Tomaž Grom, Igor Stravinsky and others

Video and Graphic Design Komposter

Films Sašo Podgoršek

Lighting Design Luka Curk

Set Design Iztok Kovač, Luka Curk, Komposter

Costume Design En–Knap Group

Editing Iztok Kovač, Tanja Skok, En–Knap Group

Rehearsal Director Tanja Skok

Photography Andrej Lamut

Additional Credits and acknowledgements The performance incorporates texts by Emil Hrvatin, John Martin and Bojana Kunst (Maska Publishing). Musical works by John Zorn are used with permission; Stravinsky's Octet was performed by the Branimir Slokar Academy Ensemble under the direction of Živa Ploj Peršuh. Thanks to all interview participants and collaborators, especially Janez Janša, Blaž Lukan, Matjaž Zupančič and Mateja Rebolj, for their support and consultation during the creation process.

 

Production En–Knap Productions

 

En–Knap Productions

Founder and artistic director Iztok Kovač

Executive producer Marjeta Lavrič

Assistant producer Karmen Keržar

Head of finance Julija Travančič

Event organisation and coordination Katja Gabrijelčič

Illustration and design nejaaka

Technical coordinator Jaka Šimenc

Technical production Leon Curk, Gal Škrjanec Skaberne, Omar Ismail

The programme of En–Knap and the Španski Borci Cultural Centre (managed by En–Knap Productions) is financially supported by the City of Ljubljana – Department of Culture and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia.