De Rust children took part in an exciting three-day festival of dance at the end of July. The De Rust educational non-profit organisation, Youth Potential South Africa (YOUPSA) invited Jazzart Dance Theatre from Cape Town to work with 50 rural children who are part of YOUPSA programmes.
Six dancers from the dance company gave performances and shared contemporary dance techniques as well as Amapiano (A South African street dance technique).
For three consecutive afternoons directly after school, the children attended dance workshops by the company.
They practiced dance techniques and choreography in small groups and improved their coordination and teamwork. On the last afternoon the children showcased what they had learned to spectators from the community.
It was the first time for these children to see a professional dance performance.
The excitement was absolutely exhilarating. This was the first event of this nature to be presented to the community and parents were as excited as the children they came to watch.
YOUPSA offers a weekly Afterschool Enrichment and Literacy Programme which includes, among others, team- and leadership building, maths learning, literacy skills, problem-solving, arts, communication skills, and a wide range of activities for healthy bodies and minds. In addition to regular educational outings, YOUPSA invites professionals to share their knowledge and skills to enable the youth to expand their capabilities and build bonds amongst them.
“There is so much creativity and talent amongst the children. Dance allows them to express themselves and explore emotions and thoughts they might otherwise not be able to articulate,” says YOUPSA Director Alexis Salaman. (By Lindi Brill)
The power and beauty of dance for children
Children that took part in the programme showcasing their newly learned skills.
Photo supplied