It had its beginnings in 1989 when two journalists, Marilyn Jenklns and Adrienne Sichel, both with a passionate interest in contemporary choreography and dance, approached the major business-arts partnership at the time, the Vita Awards, requesting they initiate a contemporary dance festival in South Africa.
Under the aegis of AA Life, Vita Promotions, under the directorship of Philip Stein, launched the Vita Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg in 1989. There was no sponsor for the first festival and only about eight choreographers took part. An award for contemporary choreography was included for the Most Outstanding Performance by Male and Female dancers.
The Festival today features new works from South African and/or African choreographers, international artists and young up-and-coming artists. Dance Umbrella has become the platform for new South African work; it is the main programme which both artists and programmers consider the place to show and see work.
This annual festival now includes new commissioned work by South African companies/choreographers; invited international companies; young artists and a Fringe programme; a series of workshops/master classes; discussions and debates regarding the dance industry; face to face talks with selected artists.
2010 marked the 22rd anniversary of Dance Umbrella Festival – 22 years of development that has resulted in it being acknowledged as the premier international contemporary dance festival in Africa. 2010 also marked the final year of FNB sponsorship.
Now in 2011, the 23rd anniversary of Dance Umbrella, it remains under the artistic directorship of Georgina Thomson and is forging ahead with renewed vigour and new sponsorship. It remains the biggest contemporary dance platform in Southern Africa.