The classes began with just a few ladies, but eventually the need arose for extra classes for children, who also took a keen interest in the opportunity to take advantage of the platform for self-expression that the Danceology experience provided.
Just Dance - Street Dance featured prominently throughout the show.
WHAT do you get when you combine dance with psychology?
Danceology is the brainchild of local Psychological Counsellor, Nadine Pillay, whose passion for dance along with her profession in the field of psychology, breathed life into the concept of therapy through dance.
Nadine’s love of dance started at an early age. She fondly recalls learning the dance routines from some of her favourite films as a child.
Psychological Counsellor, Nadine Pillay, the driving force behind the concept of Danceology.
“I’ve always been a performer,” enthuses Nadine, who attended the Jean Griffiths Academy during her childhood and was inspired by the ethics and leadership qualities practised by the namesake of the Academy.
In 2010, Nadine’s charismatic dance talents were sought after by the Catholic Women’s League, who, following Nadine’s mother’s suggestion, invited her to teach the ladies in the league some of her moves. Her smooth blend of talent and coaching skills struck a chord with the ladies and it was not long after that requests started coming in for regular classes.
Danceology was born…
Danceology encourages a freedom to incorporate many styles into dance routines.
The classes began with just a few ladies, but eventually the need arose for extra classes for children, who also took a keen interest in the opportunity to take advantage of the platform for self-expression that the Danceology experience provided.
The ‘Advanced Alzheimers’ group did an entertaining dance routine to Billy Ray Cyrus’ ‘Achy Breaky Heart.’
Initially, children from the age of 7 could join the group, but the Danceology family has since grown to include approximately 35 members, ranging in age from 3 years old to upward of 70 years old (we’re not saying who).
Danceology offers children of all ages a platform for self-expression through dance.
While Danceology does not offer the accolades and accreditations generally associated with dance academies, it does offer dancers of all ages and fitness levels a supportive platform from which to express themselves, breaking away from the traditional mold of society’s impression of what it takes to dance, subscribing to a more ‘out of the box’ approach to the art.
“I’ve watched children grow, learning life skills and self-confidence along the way,” says Nadine proudly of her students. “And even some of the adults.”
Just Dance – Street Dance featured prominently throughout the show.
Quoting American dancer and choreographer, Agnes De Mille, Nadine adds, “To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and yours for the taking.”
On December 1, following a year of commitment and dedication from the students, Danceology concluded 2015 with their annual ‘Just Dance Christmas Special’ at the Catholic Hall in Vryheid.
