Pre-teen dance tutor keeps her classes in step
WHILE most 12-year-olds play computer games, Montclair Senior Primary’s Malaika Naidoo (12) spends her time giving back to the community through her Rainbow Dance Academy.
Malaika teaches multi-cultural dance forms at Montclair recreational hall as a way of empowering the youth and curbing substance abuse. Having trained in modern Indian dance, she has been dancing since the age of three and has recently graduated. Proving that she is not a one-trick pony, Malaika teaches Zulu dance, hip-hop, modern Indian dance and drama.
She has won a number of dance competitions and was part of the top 21 in the SAs Got Talent competition in 2009. Earning her stripes as an experienced choreographer, she has been involved in school concerts and Heritage Day celebrations.
“I am extremely passionate about dancing and the support I receive from my mother keeps me motivated,” said Malaika. “Through the dance academy I hope to take the youth off the streets so they may have a bright future.”
Malaika hopes to become a chemical engineer or be involved in the medical field. “My school work is my number one priority and hence, I work hard for good results.”
Classes take place on Wednesdays from 4pm until 5pm at a charge of R50 per month. The charge goes towards the hall’s rental. Classes would be free of charge if there were no rental fees. There are currently 23 students who are part of her academy, seven who are non-paying as they are underprivileged. Anyone over the age of five may join. Contact 079-754-6064 or BBM 29B-37B-52 for information.
