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Intwasa newsletter - June 2012
Intwasa
June 15, 2012

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US dance group heartens Bulawayo youth

Dance Motion USA's Jazz Tap Ensemble (JTE) enjoyed a 15-day visit to Zimbabwe offering a packed program of performances and teaching workshops. Their impact was felt strongly by youth in Bulawayo.

During one of the workshops, American and Zimbabwean artists shared their personal experiences. JTE Dancer Sandy Vasquez told the tale of her Mexican immigrant parents working at a car wash, unable to afford dance lessons for her. Another dancer said he was physically threatened by gangs each time he would go to and from dance class. They heard from the youth in Zimbabwe that parents don't always approve of their interests in the arts because of the difficult economic situation in the country and the few opportunities available for them to make a career of their talents.

But the Zimbabweans were to learn that dance was more than just what it appears to be. American dancers told stories of how communities of dancers in the U.S. had helped them through difficult times. Said one of the dancers, "Dance has kept me out of trouble, out of jail, and on my way to a better future. The tap dancers were more of a unit - I got more than dance steps. I learned to look out for other people. But dance received a lot of discouragement, too. It just wasn't cool in the ghetto - I was supposed to play a sport."

Another shared, "This has been the one constant good thing in my life. It's saved my life in more ways than one."

The group's visit coincided with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo - during which time they performed for a VIP reception hosted by His Worship Mayor Thaba Moyo - and one of Africa's largest international festivals, the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) - where they performed twice to soldout crowds of over 800 people.

The 10-member Ensemble provided audiences in both cities with dance, music and technical workshops, youth and community outreach events and formal performances to highlighting the importance of professionalism in the arts as a potential driver of economic growth. JTE participated in the Intwasa-sponsored ‘Bulawayo's Most Amazing Talents' to support youth in developing their artistic skills.

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