SboNdaba Dance, a transformative local company founded in October 2021 and launched in March 2022, is revolutionising the lives of young Capetonians by providing a vibrant space for connection, expressive movement, and storytelling.
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Under the guidance of award-winning choreographer Sbonakaliso Ndaba, SboNdaba Dance transcends the typical movement studio.
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Under Ndaba’s guidance, dancers explore emotional depths by addressing environmental issues, poverty, gang violence, masculinity, and the impact of colonialism on today’s youth.
The troupe recently dazzled audiences at Artscape with their stunning performance, ‘Diverse People Unite,’ which perfectly embodies the mission of SboNdaba Dance to connect through this unique art form.
Clayton Jannike, a central dancer at SboNdaba Dance, shares that dance is his entire life.
‘It’s like, the rhythm that’s inside of my body, it creates a connection and I kind of follow the feeling in my heart and what I feel.’
Though Clayton Jannike’s passion and talent shine brightly, his journey was far from easy.
Growing up on the Cape Flats, an area notorious for gang violence and drug issues, Jannike faced significant challenges, struggling with school and being drawn into the local party scene.
A turning point came with the birth of his daughter at 16, just as he auditioned for SboNdaba Dance.
Dance became the transformative force that motivated him to complete his schooling and make positive life changes.
Now, Jannike aims to inspire local youth facing their own struggles in a community marked by violence and drug use.
Jannike invites neighbourhood kids to join him and his family in dance, offering them a chance to connect and find hope through this shared experience.
‘I use the skills they love. They love Hip Hop. They don’t have a lot of opportunities… My yard is always open and free, for the kids to come play any time.’
With the legacies of Apartheid and colonialism still affecting youth in areas like the Cape Flats, the need for connection and expression through dance is crucial.
SboNdaba Dance is commended for its significant impact on South African youth and its contributions to the arts and culture.
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Picture: DW Media / Youtube /Screenshot