Dancing for Africa in LA

"I am who I am because of dance."

Despite the challenges of living in Cape Town's poverty-ridden Khayelitsha township, 18-year-old Bomikazi Mangaliso says she does not feel "poor" because dancing has enriched her life.

Mangaliso is one of four teenagers who have been given the opportunity to showcase African dance at the Los Angeles Salsa Congress next month.

The congress will showcase the talent of both salsa and street-style dancers from more than 50 countries.

Mangaliso, who hopes to pursue a professional dance career, said: "I am looking forward to meeting all these people and dancers."

Bheki Ndlovu, director and choreographer at Suede Productions - the dance company helping the teenagers with their participation in the congress - said: "These kids are making history. Though the congress has been around for 15 years, it has never had African dance performed on that platform."

In an effort to raise funds, Ndlovu and dance teachers from across South Africa held a series of dance workshops in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Eight dancers were chosen to go to Los Angeles but insufficient funds meant that only four could be sponsored.

"Many of these dancers have never been overseas, let alone out of Cape Town. They are very excited about going," said Amanda Rasch, an assistant dance teacher.

"The beauty of this opportunity is that these kids are striving so hard to be involved in something that will keep them out of trouble. It is a symbol of possibility for other kids in the community," said Ndlovu.

Herril Govender, a volunteer teacher, said that if dancing was invested in as a form of discipline, children could be taken off the streets.