African dance a marvel to watch

The different routines appear to be in-born and instinctive whether it be children or the elderly performing these dances. The dances are performed at most occasions celebrating child birth, initiations, weddings, funerals and some dare say, whenever Africans gather, they end up singing and dancing.

In some schools, dancing and singing are integrated into the curriculum as part of extra-curricula activities.

Children of primary schools and early childhood development centres recently gathered at the Altrec sports complex for a fun event and pitted their skills in various traditional Xitsonga and isiZulu dances. The crowd was left mesmerised by their abilities.

One cultural activist in Alex, Simeon Letsoela said despite previous oppressive decrees in the country in the past, African cultural dances remained intact.

With the new dispensation, these dances even became presidential from the era of former President Nelson Mandela and continue under President Jacob Zuma. The dances are now also incorporated at official events, sporting events, labour dispute gatherings, and are also used to lighten misery at sombre occasions.