Storm Gonzalo Delays Cape Verde’s First Video Dance Fest
The highly anticipated UABÁ International Video Dance Festival, set to debut today in Cape Verde’s capital, Praia, has been postponed by one week as Tropical Storm Gonzalo lashes the archipelago. The decision was made to ensure the safety of both artists and the public, organizers announced Friday.
New Date for a Landmark Debut
The festival’s opening session has been rescheduled for October 2nd at 6:30 PM local time at the Portuguese Cultural Center. The delay comes as Tropical Storm Gonzalo brings heavy rain and strong winds to the islands, causing power outages, flooding, and fallen trees, particularly on the island of Sal. Meteorologists expect the storm to dissipate over the coming weekend.
A Fusion of Dance and Cinema
Marking the first time Cape Verde has hosted an international video dance event, the festival is organized by the Kontornu platform. The showcase, titled “Saracoteio – Dança no Ecrã” (Dance on Screen), features 15 distinct works that blend choreography, cinematography, and the performing arts.
Unlike traditional recordings of stage performances, video dance utilizes the camera lens, creative editing, soundscapes, and the natural landscape as integral tools of artistic expression. The festival represents a growing movement to explore how motion interacts with the digital screen.
Global Collaborations
The exhibition is a collaborative effort involving the Almada Dance Fortnight in Portugal and the Rollout Dance Film Festival in Macau. The curated selection includes works from Cape Verde, Portugal, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Macau, and Brazil.
Admission to the rescheduled event remains free, though organizers require attendees to reserve tickets in advance. Despite the weather-induced delay, the festival promises to be a milestone for the Lusophone arts community, bridging geographical distances through the power of movement and film.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
