SboNdaba Dance is a community-based dance company located in Cape Town, operating out of a repurposed Methodist church. Sbonakaliso Ndaba, the founder, is an accomplished dancer and choreographer, who has created a much-needed outlet for artistic expression among underprivileged youth in townships facing high unemployment and limited opportunities.
Currently, the SboNdaba Company comprises of 16 dancers and three directors who practice five days a week from 9am to 4pm, with weekends dedicated to performances. Despite the challenges posed by minimal government and industry support, the company pays each member a proper salary, commensurate with their experience and seniority. Furthermore, each dancer undertakes their own outreach work, teaching dance to children in the townships. SboNdaba Dance views outreach as equally important as dance, if not more so.
The company s work instills hope and beauty in the youth of South Africa, a sentiment often lost in the face of poverty, violence, and inequality.
***
Credits:
Photography and words by Carl van der Linde
Bio:
Carl is a South African photographer based in Cape Town.
