Arts writer
A NEW generation of Dance for All (DFA) dancers will get a chance to shine in Imibulelo(Translated in gratitude from us to you) at Springfield Convent on December 5 at 2pm and 7pm.
Following the success of DFA’s Kaleidoscope, which was staged at Artscape in June, this new production showcases the ongoing growth, development and maturity of DFA’s students.
The two-hour dance spectacular will feature roughly 150 dancers of different ages performing in various disciplines.
Directors Philip Boyd and Allison Hendricks will bring dances in ballet, contemporary, African, flamenco, cabaret, jazz and hip hop styles together in the two performances.
This is an “all hands on deck” production with most of the items being choreographed by DFA dancers and teachers.
Hendricks, Daniela Di Lorenzo, Hope Nongqongqo, Lorraine Ndindwa, Louise Coetzer, Stanislav Tchalov, and volunteer teachers and choreographers Anderson Carvalho and Ché Adams have added richly to the repertoire.
They are part of a dedicated group moving DFA into its next era.
The non-profit organisation was started 24 years ago to offer children from all backgrounds the opportunity to experience the joy of movement and receive a high standard of training.
They have grown from a small group of 34 students in a classroom in Gugulethu to being able to offer classes, free of charge at the home base in Athlone as well as Gugulethu, Nyanga, Langa, Khayelitsha and Delft, along with some nearby rural areas.
Dancers from the age of five, to young adults are provided with the necessary training to equip them with the skills, discipline and grounding to pursue a career in the performing arts.
DFA also plays an important role in impacting positive social change by offering a constructive extra-mural activity where children from challenging socio-economic backgrounds can find safety, guidance, support and affirmation.
Boyd, who is also DFA’s CEO, says: “How wonderful, gratifying and exciting it is after 24 years of running DFA to see the progress of all our students over all these years, who have excelled and lived their lives though their passion for dance with the excellent training that the DFA have provided, changing our students’ lives in such a positive way through the magnificent and disciplined art form.”
“Seeing former students go on to have professional careers is of course the cherry on the top,” he continues.
While preparations are in full swing for the show on December 5, DFA still needs a little help to get on stage. They’ve launched a Thundafund campaign with a range of rewards in exchange for donations. They need R60 000 to give Imibulelo the green light.
l Tickets: R50 unreserved, [email protected] For the fundraising campaign, see www. thundafund.com/imibulelo