Dance uniting families and helping to combat GBV scourge

The Federation of Dance Sport KwaZulu-Natal says dance is helping to combat the scourge of gender-based violence.

“This is an Olympic sport which is less recognised in the country even though it addresses most of our social ills.

“Dance affords an opportunity to instil proper values to our children at an early stage and even when they grow they treat each other as brothers and sisters,” said Mkhize.

To mark this global day, observed on April 29, dancers from across the province competed at the championships.

Among the participants were Simesihle Matole and Nomfundo Mnguni from Durban University of Technology who are hoping to represent South Africa in China at the World Championship Standard Adult dancing competition in July.

The couple is not sure however if they will be able to honour the invitation due to financial constraints.

“We need money for our visas, flights, accommodation and meals,” said Matole, adding that they have very little time to raise the funds.

To develop the sport at grassroots level, the federation runs workshops across the province.

Mkhize said another challenge is the lack of facilities to train aspiring dancers. “Before we can produce elite dancers our difficulties start at a grassroots level where the sport cannot be developed due to financial constraints and lack of facilities.

“When we arrive in different areas to conduct workshops we find that community halls are closed.

“We are making a plea to the municipalities that community halls should be opened for children to utilise them for dance because dance is one of the sports that unite people,” Mkhize said.