Indlamu is a traditional Zulu dance that is usually performed by men, but a local, all girls group, has changed this.
Amatshitshi Amahle is a local traditional dance group that was formed at Thuto-Thebe Secondary School in 2009.
Ms Ntombifuthi Nhleko, a teacher a Thuto-Thebe Secondary School, is the founder.
Ms Nhleko used to be a traditional dancer herself before forming the group.
“My love for traditional music began when I was still very young, my father was a traditional music singer,” she said
She also said they sang traditional songs at home as a child and her family is deeply rooted in arts and culture.
Ms Nhleko teaches the girls how to dance and also teaches them life skills.
“It is important to nurture young women and teach them how to carry themselves, what to avoid and what to concentrate on,” Ms Nhleko said.
According to her, these teachings can help them avoid teenage pregnancy and steer them away from illegal substances. The age of the members range between 13 to 18 years.
They perform at award ceremonies, local functions and traditional weddings.
Indlamu dancers normally wear ibheshu, made from cow skin.
Even though they do not have the correct attire for indlamu, they continue to perform.
The members of the group love what they do and practice once every week.
They said dancing keeps them fit and keeps them out of the streets. They plan to get the correct attire for indlamu to compete at more traditional dance competitions.
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