70 children from the Communicare complexes Bothasig Gardens, Drommedaris, Reyger Court and Goedehoop journeyed to the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town to attend Jazzart’s 50th Celebratory Festival. For most, this was their first outing to the Artscape, and the excitement was palpable.

Jazzart captivates the audience
Upon arrival at the theatre, the children and their parents, Vulamathuba Empumelelo staff and volunteers were warmly welcomed by the Jazzart team led by Community Liaison Officer Elvis Sibeko. After issuing the tickets, the children were escorted to an empty theatre and orientated with the rules to observe when watching a show. The orientation was conducted in a fun, interactive manner, with children happily participating in a sing-along.

When the big moment arrived, the kids were spellbound. The show had much drama and intrigue as Jazzart used contemporary and trending TikTok dances to depict a story which resonated with the young minds. It concluded with the Vulamathuba kids and the rest of the audience giving the dancers a standing ovation.

While most of the children, when asked to evaluate the outing, said it was “joyful”, “fun”, and “good”, others, like 12-year-old Lindokuhle was adamant that it was “the best time of my life”.

Nine-year-old Max said, “It was the best outing ever”, while Anouchka (14) proclaimed that she “loved every moment” and “the outing was an inspiring experience, and amazing.”

“Being able to facilitate new and enriching experiences for the children in our complexes is one of Vulamathuba’s goals,” says Social Development Officer, Nicolette Boois.

“We did not hesitate when Jazzart invited our children on the outing. Vulamathuba paid for the tickets, which Jazzart Dance Theatre reduced to accommodate our budget. This also ensured that this expense didn’t burden the parents. Jazzart Dance Theatre offered free transport and Vulamathuba provided refreshments before embarking on the bus journey and after the show.”

More than dancing
Many of the children who attended the outing were regular dance class pupils. In addition to being a fun activity that keeps the children constructively busy after school, the Vulamathuba Empumelelo dance programme also aims to promote health and well-being, a sense of belonging, improve interpersonal relationships and teaches essential life skills like self-discipline.

The free dance classes are weekly, except during school holidays, for children 7 to 15 years.

Dance classes are open to tenants as well as children from the surrounding community on these dates and times:

Mondays               16h00-17h00      Bothasig Gardens Hall

Tuesdays              15h30-16h30      Reyger Court Hall

Wednesdays       16h00-17h00      Drommedaris Hall

Thursdays            15h30-16h30      Community Learning Centre, 98 Justin Street, Brooklyn

Get in touch
For more information about this and other Vulamathuba Empumelelo programmes, please visit www.vulamathuba.org.za or e-mail admin@vulamathuba.org.za