Botswana: The performers of Polka Dance came together at the Ramotswa for the National Arts Festival on Wednesday. The creatives of Botswana had the opportunity to showcase their interpretation of the Polka dance genre.
The genre is a national pride dance which originated in Kgalagadi and has been a popular form of cultural expression. The participants of the competition were dressed in several colourful and remarkable outfits.
The judges said that the posture and stage presence of the participants was remarkable. The organizers of the competition said, the groups didn’t make it easy for the judges.
The Participants displayed perfect coordination, choreography, timing, creativity, and complexity. All this time, they were able to stay true to the genre and preserving its cultural value.
The event happened in the evening hours of the Saturday, June 29. Dance groups from seven different places in the southern region competed for a place in the National Arts Festival Grand Final.
Lebotse Modibedi, the Principal Programmes Officer from MYSC delivered a brief address at the event. He spoke to the media and expressed his happiness with the growth the genre is showing.
He noted that the genre is slowly moving from a regional dance in Kgalagadi to a national dance.
The champion of the National Festival of Art in the Polka dance genre, Welkom Polka Club from Gabane, took first place during the regional competitions.
Dikgagwana Polka Group from Mochudi and Desert Polka Group from Tsolamosese took second and third places respectively.
Positions
1st Place – Welkom Polka Club – Gabane – with 87%
2nd Place – Dikgagwana Polka Group – Mochudi – with 74%
3rd Place – Desert Polka Group – Tsolamosese – with 72%
4th Place – Honey Polka Group – Kanye – with 65%
5th Place – Phuas Polka Dance Group – Molepolole – with 60%
6th Place – Vietnum Polka Group – Ramotswa – with 56%
7th Place – Amature Polka Group – Ledumang – with 55%