Cape Town: The Community Services and Health Directorate with the Cape Town City Ballet took an initiative and hosted a Ballet Dance Workshop. Considering the recent school holidays, four 2-day activations were arranged in various communities, attracting more than 200 young people.
The outreach initiative was funded through the Community, Arts & Culture Development Department’s Grants-In-Aid programme that aims to make ballet more accessible to the public through inclusive dance experiences.
During the recent school holidays, four 2-day workshops were held at four venues:
- Claremont Civic Centre,
- Mowbray Town Hall,
- Edgemead Community Hall, and
- the Hillcrest Community Hall
Eighty participants were invited to each workshop, from communities including Gugulethu, Bonteheuwel, Mitchells Plain, Delft, Philippi, Athlone, Belhar, Elsies River, and Eerste River. The programme included structured workshops, and a participant showcase on the final day.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that it was incredible what’s possible through partnership.
In recent years, they’ve seen an increase in community outreaches by the Cape Town Opera, Philharmonic and the Cape Town City Ballet. The City is incredibly proud to be part of this, particularly because of the positive impact it has on communities and the youth.
She added that based on the feedback they’ve seen from participants, they were thrilled about the exposure to this art form, and the opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends.
Reportedly, this was the second outreach initiative hosted by Cape Town City Ballet. The workshops allowed participants to connect with the art form in a meaningful way, beyond theory, through lived experience. Designed to cater for all skill levels, the sessions were made accessible to everyone, ensuring broad community participation.
Cape Town City Ballet Operations Manager – Tasneem Allie said that they believe in the power of dance to uplift, unite, and transform. These workshops were more than just an opportunity to share their love for ballet, they were a chance to connect meaningfully with communities across Cape Town, to nurture emerging talent and to celebrate the rich diversity of the city. Through engagements like these they are honouring their commitment to make ballet accessible and relevant, and to invest in the future of this beautiful artform.