JOHANNESBURG — Rosco has supplied 90 linear meters of its black/white Dance Floor and a number of dance mats to the newly opened The Dance Space as part of a sponsorship deal with South Africa’s The Dance Forum. The Dance Forum has been a major force in South African contemporary dance for the past 21 years, sponsoring major projects such as the 12-day FNB Dance Umbrella Festival, a dance platform for young artists called New Dance and a Young Choreographers residency program.
The Dance Forum intends to develop a series of workshops, debates, collaborations, master classes and residency programs for professional practitioners and encourage collaborations between dance organizations and choreographers across Africa and the rest of the world.
Yet throughout its existence there has never been one single base from which it could operate and develop its ambitious program — until the recent creation of The Dance Space.
Funded by a number of bodies including the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, The National Arts Council, Gauteng Dept. of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, The French Institute of South Africa and the British Council, The Dance Space opened earlier this year and is now a pivotal venue, allowing The Dance Forum the opportunity to pursue its projects within the security of a purpose built space.
Situated in Newtown, The Dance Space is at the heart of Johannesburg’s theatre district and is now able to place its facilities at the disposal of the many dance-orientated activities — rehearsals, pre-tours, workshops, and more — within easy reach of the major theatres.
Rosco’s Ron Knell was eager to be involved and provide the venue with the a dance floor designed to withstand a punishing program of events.
“South Africa’s Contemporary Dance scene is well respected throughout the world,” said Knell. “Rosco is very proud to be able to support this venture by sponsoring the Rosco Dance Space and supplying it with our top quality dance floor.”
The Rosco Dance Floor has been installed in the 10-meter-by-16-meter main studio where its matte, non-skid finish provides the controlled slip that dancers require.
The reversible black/white floor has been installed as a permanent feature but, at less than 2.85kgs per linear meter, it also highly portable. Lightweight and flexible, it can be rolled and unrolled as needed and is well suited for touring purposes.
“The floor we have installed here is suitable for Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Drill Team and Hip Hop, which fits perfectly with the variety of dance styles The Dance Space will be dealing with,” said Knell.
Rosco also supplies dance floors specifically designed for other forms of dance including Tap, Irish, Flamenco and Ballroom, as well as glossy floors for fashion shows, events, commercials and car shows, and other products such as Rosco Tiles and the hard-wearing Roscoleum.
Georgina Thomson, director of The Dance Forum, was delighted with Rosco’s contribution. “Your generosity and commitment to our space has been invaluable and there are many dance companies that will benefit from having the opportunity to dance on a professional quality dance floor.”
Rosco supplied the floor through its South African dealer, Congo Blue Design, which joined forces with Rosco in July and recently opened offices within the new Dance Space complex.
For more information, please visit www.rosco.com.
