World feet

>> Picks from FIND's global lineup

After a couple of days on the go, the ninth Festival International de Nouvelle Danse (FIND) is in full swing for another nine. Eleven countries are represented in this year's fest, with a strong focus on more African nations.

Don't miss the premiere--and only showing--of Le Coq est mort by Susanne Linke. This work for eight male African dancers was created from this German choreographer's workshops conducted in Senegal. Here, Linke contrasts Western culture with a traditional one.

Check out Companie Salia nï Seydou from Burkino Faso, who will perform Figninto ou l'oeil troué, featuring a trio of dancers accompanied by onstage percussionists. Also using live music is Portuguese choreographer Clara Andermatt, who took her inspiration from Cape Verde. Her work, Uma história da dúvida, incorporates seven musicians with 15 dancers against an impressive set. And don't forget Belgian company Rosas, which also uses pulsating beats in Drumming.

As for Can-con this week, look out for Ruth Cansfield Dance, Dominique Porte, Peter Chin and Zab Maboungou. And this Sunday, shift into dance overload with the Marathon choréographique, a new FIND attraction. Local talents strut their stuff in this free, non-stop event from noon until 5 p.m. at the Alfred-Laliberté theatre at UQAM.

And just because it's a dance festival doesn't mean that watching dance shows is all there is. Don't miss the three-day dance symposium, which starts today, Thursday, Sept. 30, at the Cinémathèque québécoise. On the agenda: discussions about topics such as cross-cultural influences, globalization and dance as a language. In the hot seat are choreographers and dancers, who are joined by philosophers, anthropologists and historians. Incidentally, there will be simultaneous translations for those who need it.

And you know how sometimes after reading a good book you want to chat with the author? Well, you'll have that opportunity with choreographers during the festival. France's Mathilde Monnier, Belgium's Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and Quebec's Jean-Pierre Perreault will be making special lunchhour appearances to answer any questions.

If you're at the Monument-National, don't miss the photography exposition by Thomas Dorn and Pap Ba, showing snaps from choreographer Susan Linke's dance workshops in Senegal.

It's a jam-packed week of dance, but don't go overboard too soon because the action continues until October 9.

--Marites Carino

Festival International de Nouvelle Danse, to October 9, in various locations. For more information, call 990-3031 or consult the Web site at www.fetivalnouvelledanse.ca