Everyday at around 15h00 – The Mzingazi Hall is buzzing with music, youth, joyfulness and a bit of fashion drip. True Art in motion.The pride seen today has been a relentless journey of 10 years, initially starting out with nothing more than cell phones as music speakers. However, as it is said: where there is a will there is a way.
The group of dancers are officially known as ‘Art in Motion Ballroom and Latin Dance’. Founded in 2014 by 6 enthusiastic and passionate dancers. In starting this dance platform – the objective was simple and clear; keep youth busy, preoccupied and away from the vicious streets. Currently the group has people from all walks of life and aged between 8 to 45 years – all of them drawn to the art of ballroom and Latin American dance. The founders believe that dancing will help in expanding social and cultural interactions, whilst also promoting a deep sense of community and unity.
Since group’s inception, progress was steady but difficult to accomplish. The group had to practice with music from the cell phones, which is barely loud enough; as if that wasn’t enough of a challenge itself the dance venue also proved to be a hassle. What is now the home base for the group (Mzingazi Hall) was at the time not easy to access. Although the ward councillor had made the hall available for use. The group was often asked to vacate the hall to make room for other seemingly more important gatherings, however through consistency, they began to own their slot and permanently engraving their names on the halls schedule.
Since inception, the group has participated and gone on to win various competitions. These include the ILembe District Dance Competition, Mtubatuba interclub and EThekwini Championships. It has not been all glitters; in year 2023 – the team had qualified to dance in New York after qualifying from winning the Talent Africa. However due to most of the dancers being orphans or being raised by single mothers under sever deprivation – The team lacked finances to support their international opportunity.
The team is thus looking for any funders or supporters who can be able to jump on-board and journey with them on their way to success. Truly achieving social change and inspiring all future generations.
Contact:
Team Manager – Thabisile Ntulu
thabisile.ntuli78@gmail.com