AFRICAN STORY: Vibrant and talented Eastern Cape dancers performing at the Udaba Dance Festival that was hosted over three days last week at the Guild Theatre. Picture: ALAN EASONThe Eastern Cape department of recreation, sports, arts & culture (DSRAC), in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, hosted the Udaba Dance Festival over three days at the Guild Theatre last week.
The festival was last showcased in East London several years ago.
Nine groups performed ensembles, drawing from African folklore and mythology, contemporary dance, hip-hop, and various other styles.
The groups only had 30 minutes on stage each, performing routines that communicated a story.
The main purpose of the event was to showcase talented dancers from SA.
Communications officer for the department Andile Nduna, said: “The festival has evolved over the years.
”It has been showcased in Gqeberha but we decided to bring it back to East London.
”We want to encourage dancers and dancers who are retiring to open dance studios.
“This way we will be able to develop and nurture our future dancers.”
The first performance on September 13, Mnquma, directed by Xolisile Bongwana, highlighted the message that the youth can take charge of their own lives.
On Thursday evening, dance troupe The OG’s graced the stage with their high-energy performance, U Saved Me, which highlighted the obstacles people can encounter when pursuing their dreams.
“We are a group of guys who have been dancing for over 15 years. We enjoy it and our aim is to have fun and entertain the crowds.
”Our dance told the story of how we got through life with dance,” said the group’s director, Lwazi Menemene.
, in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, hosted the Udaba Dance Festival over three days at the Guild Theatre last week.){kind=link}