Local dance crew competes internationally and wins
Nqolobane Youth Club won first prize, twice, at DanceStar World Dance Masters in Croatia last month.
Tsakane – Founded by Luyanda Rumbu in 2013, the group’s patience and hard work have finally paid off.
“I started the group because as part of many other youth clubs around Ekurhuleni I realised that young people can commit to performing arts.”
Made up mainly of youngsters from Tsakane, the club soon decided to stick to dancing.
“When you have a bigger group you can do more, but it is better to focus on a set performance when you have a small group.
“We do Zulu dance, but we also do gumboot dancing and pantsula.”
Luyanda says over the past few years they have been competing in numerous community arts festivals.
But their desire has always been to expose the group to the highest level of international competition.
“We are not a professional dance studio, we don’t have much, but I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish.”
The group rehearses in a garage in Extension 15.
“We auditioned for the Dance World Cup two years ago, but we did not compete because we did not have funds to travel to the competition.
“Last year I decided that as soon as we qualify, we would apply for funding.”
The crew auditioned and made it to the DanceStar World Dance Masters finals in Croatia.
Also read: Dance group to participate in competition
“The place was beautiful.
“It is a stunning tourist destination but we also got to learn so much about our craft as well.”
Luyanda says he was the only one in the group who had been on an airplane before, so everyone was really excited to fly.
“We competed against top groups, professionals from all around the world.
“And we won.
“It feels really good for our talents to be validated on an international stage.
“We have proven our worth.”
Also read: Local ballroom and Latin dancer makes the cut
He says he hopes to inspire other young people to keep dreaming.
“I hope this win will open more doors for us to perform more.
“We want our communities to honour our talents, when you invite us to events, respect our craft.
“We are still ordinary children from eKasi, so we still want whoever to join us.”
For more information contact Luyanda Rumbu on 079 695 5998.
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