From community halls to charity stages, there’s something quietly moving about watching a child discover the magic of dance for the first time. In partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Community Services and Health Directorate, the Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) continues to prove that the power of dance extends far beyond the spotlight.
The company recently wrapped up a series of free two-day outreach workshop across the metro, bringing the magic of ballet to more than 200 young people over the school holidays.
Funded through the City’s Community, Arts & Culture Development Department’s Grants-In-Aid programme, the initiative was designed to make ballet more accessible through inclusive, hands-on dance experiences. Workshops were held in Claremont, Mowbray, Edgemead and Hillcrest, drawing participants from Gugulethu, Bonteheuwel, Mitchell’s Plain, Delft, Athlone and beyond.
Each session culminated in a community showcase, giving participants the chance to perform what they’d learned – and experience the joy of storytelling through movement.
‘It’s incredible what’s possible through partnership. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in community outreaches by the Cape Town Opera, Philharmonic and the Cape Town City Ballet,’ said City’s MMC for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
‘The City is incredibly proud to be part of this, particularly because of the positive impact it has on communities and our youth. Based on the feedback we’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.’
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.
‘We believe in the power of dance to uplift, unite and transform. These workshops were more than just an opportunity to share our 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 our city,’ said Cape Town City Ballet Operations Manager Tasneem Allie.
‘Through engagements like these, we are honouring our commitment to making ballet accessible and relevant, and to investing in the future of this beautiful art form.’
And as the company continues to nurture local creativity, its spirit of giving extends beyond the stage. Later this month, the Cape Town City Ballet joins forces with the South African Youth Choir for a fundraising showcase in support of RX Radio – a pioneering station run by children, for children, based at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
The event will be held at 7pm on 31 October and at 11:30am on 1 November at the CTCB Studios in Rondebosch, promising an unforgettable fusion of music, movement and meaning.
RX Radio empowers young patients to share their stories and express themselves through broadcasting – a platform that amplifies their voices and builds confidence through creativity.
Tickets are R200 and available at the door, with all proceeds going directly to supporting the station’s operations. Donations can also be made via RX Radio’s official page.
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Picture: City of Cape Town
