Before I could read or write, I learnt to express myself in another way – through dance. Of course, at the age of four, I didn’t think of ballet class as a creative outlet so much as that fun place where my friends and I got to wear a lot of pink and spin around till we were dizzy. But still.
Learning to move at a young age has so many benefits for little bodies and brains. That’s why we’re especially impressed with the diverse offering for children and teens at On Pointe Dance Studio in Loop Street.
‘Dance provides children with a sense of freedom and a place to express themselves.’ says On Pointe founder Tanya Arshamian-Ndinwa. ‘It’s beneficial for the mind, body and soul. It’s a fun and non-direct way of teaching discipline and developing co-ordination, strength, flexibility and general fitness.’
And she would know – this talented and well-travelled dancer is a graduate of the Rambert School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance at Brunel University in London, co-director of the local iKapa Dance Theatre and, perhaps most importantly, a gifted teacher.
‘In early development, dance can increase brain function and the ability to learn in the classroom. Dance in teens can increase the ability to problem-solve, and dance in adults can help to decrease the chance of mental ill health. So basically dance is a miracle worker and should be provided for all ages everywhere. At On Pointe Dance Studio, classes are taught by some of the best dancers and teachers in Cape Town.’
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
So your tot or teen doesn’t dream about dancing Swan Lake? That’s cool. While ballet is certainly on the menu, On Pointe also offers contemporary, hip hop and African dance.
RAD Ballet
Not just rad ballet, this is ballet training aligned with the Royal Academy of Dancing, the world’s leading dance education and training organisation. Classes are available for aspiring ballerinas from the age of three, and are taught by Tanya.
Contemporary
I loved ballet passionately but when I first discovered contemporary dance in my teens, it was like someone had opened a tap and given me permission to pour all my emotions out on to the studio floor. And if anyone knows how to bring this quality out in his students, it’s Theo Ndindwa. Classes are divided into 8–12 and 13–18 year-olds, with a performance programme available.
Hip-hop
Think Step Up with local flavour and guaranteed cool factor. Hip-hop classes are taught by professional dancer, choreographer and UCT School of Dance lecturer Marcus Mabie, and start from age 5 (oh bless).
African Dance
Available to students aged 13 and up, these high-energy classes are taught by the inimitable Luthando Tsodo. Also a UCT SChool of Dance lecturer, Luthando is the choreographer for the Cape Town Opera, and a professional dancer.
OF NOTE
Where 5th Floor, 112 Loop Street, CBD
When See timetable below
Cost From R100 per class for four classes (drop-ins are charged at R150 per class). Click here for full pricing and to book.
Contact 061 198 6355 / 021 422 3368, [email protected]
