Everything from folk dance to ballet to hip-hop moves spins into Singapore's Esplanade theatres this week - and audiences are invited to take a twirl

Performing arts events shoot through the revolving doors of Singapore's Esplanade venue all year round, but October brings the un

 missable "da:ns" festival - and that's the official spelling, not "Singlish".

 "da:ns will give audiences a full dance experience by showcasing all sorts of styles under one roof," says director of programming Faith Tan in an exclusive interview.

 "A festival-goer can see a classical ballet production from Russia, marvel at the artistry of ancient Cambodian dance and end the night learning the latest hip-hop moves."

Dance, theatre and film

New moves are definitely a feature of this Thursday and Friday's festival opener, "Coppelia" by the Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve, which transforms one of ballet's great comic classics with a blend of dance, theatre and film.

"It played to sold-out audiences and rave reviews in Paris," says Tan. "Whimsical costumes and sets come with surrealistic film projections and everything from ballet to swing and contemporary dance."

Look out for veteran Thai dancer Sarawanee Tanathanit among the cast.

Stirring up excitement too is the rare visit by one of Europe's best dance companies, Nederlands Dans Theater 1, whose edgy double bill of "Silent Screen" and "Toss of a Dice" will close out the festival.

Shake your stuff

The organisers are making sure the festival is more than a showcase of great European talents, though.

 "There is no better way to engage dance audience members than getting them to try it themselves," says Tan. "Our 'Footwork' programme has grown to 34 workshops this year, with new styles like Capoeira and Disco Rock offered as well as parent-child workshops for families."

 "The festival also showcases the new generation of Asian artists and cutting-edge works in progress.

 "Another focus is the rich traditional culture of the region. In our 'Rasas' programme at the concourse, audiences can participate in free bite-size performances of traditional and folk dances from India, Japan and Tibet, to name a few. And at the new outdoor theatre, Cambodian and Balinese dance interpretations of the Ramayana will be performed to live music."

For the complete interview, visit blog.nationmultimedia.com/danceandtheatre.

XTRA

11 days of sheer variety

>> da:ns runs from this Thursday to Sunday at Singapore's Esplanade: Theatres on the Bay.

>> Tickets cost from as little as 10 Singapore dollars (about Bt240) up to S$120, with 50-per-cent discounts available to students. However, many events are free. Book online at www.Sistic.com.sg.

>> For programme details visit www.dansFestival.com.