The Cape Town Freestyle Dancing Association (CTFDA) is planning to organise a series of Cape Town freestyle-dancing events throughout the Western Cape and beyond, starting with a roadshow scheduled to take place at the Riverside Park Sports Grounds in Macassar on Sunday 16 June.
The aim of the organisers is to revive the art of freestyle dancing, which found its origins in the 1980s and dominated the dance and events scene in the Western Cape through the 1990s and early 2000s as well as to use these events as the platform from which to empower youth and offer them an alternative to drugs and gangsterism in communities.
“The pioneers of this art form have come together and formed the CTFDA in an effort to reach the above-mentioned goals,” said Ryan Carelse, PR and Sponsorship Manager for CTFDA, “but also to unify the artists and dance groups under one umbrella and guide the youth currently involved with various dance groups on how best to conduct themselves to ensure their passion became their livelihood.
At the first event, on Saturday 16 June, the “OGs” of Cape Town Freestyle Dancing will open the event in Macassar to remind everyone where this art form originated.
Carelse said that the event will be jam-packed with 20 dance groups from all over the Western Cape as well as some Hip Hop and R&B artists. In addition there will be food and drinks stalls for the approximately 500 expected.
“We invite everyone to attend this free event, which will start from around 13:00 with DJs providing the entertainment. Performances will kick off at 14:00 until 18:00. There will be stalls with snacks and refreshments available. Please be advised this event is strictly alcohol-free and security will be present.”
The stage will also be opened up for five minutes for Stellcare, CTFDA’s social-development partner, to inform those attending of the very important work it does in partnership with Child Welfare and the Department of Social Development.
“Our passion for the art form and our communities will be self-evident at our events as our high-paced, high-energy dance groups have the crowds on their feet and will leave them yearning for more.
“Our brand, with assistance from yours, will set the platform for the transformation of our communities, one move at a time.”
Carelse explained the event will provide a platform for young people to discover and develop their talents, foster a culture of empowerment, confidence and self-belief, and showcase the beauty and diversity of freestyle dance, and its power to bring people together.
“We want to reclaim public spaces and make them vibrant and safe for creative expression and build a supportive and inclusive community that celebrates individuality and creativity.”
Carelse mentioned sponsorship packages had been made available. He can be be contacted on 073 661 4703 for more information.
