CAPE TOWN– After five months of training and rehearsal, clients from The Haven Night Shelter led audiences on a two-night emotional and metaphorical journey, using ballroom dance as a powerful storytelling tool in their Dignity in Motion show.
Playing at the Star Theatre in District Six from Monday 11 to Tuesday 12 November, the project has helped participants heal, feel empowered, and regain their dignity, using the performing arts to grow and express themselves.
Shadrick Valayadum, chief executive officer of the Haven Night Shelter, said the production was performed with arts director Jaco Maree and choreographed by artist Alvina Menigo.
“Each scene used ballroom dance as a storytelling tool, reflecting stages of life and emotions such as loneliness, struggle, connection, and trust.”
He explained that it was partially funded by the City of Cape Town, the Haven and various other donors.
“The project was spearheaded by our operations manager. We started with 80 people but at the end only 20 clients from shelters in Retreat, Green Point, District Six and Kalk Bay participated.”
Valayadum said participants expressed themselves through dance genres like the tango, quick step and the waltz.
“Ballroom teaches composure and trust. Homeless people struggle with trust because of the disappointments and rejections that they had to go through in life. With ballroom they must learn to trust their dancing partner.”
He explained that the show gave clients an opportunity to tell their life story through ballroom dancing.
“We are saying to clients you are not invisible. There is this idea that all homeless people are on drugs, but there are some decent people on the street and we need to give them a second chance.”
Valayadum said one of her clients was once an avid ballroom dancer, but life took an unfortunate turn and she ended up on the street. She also suffered five strokes that left her confined to a wheelchair.
He said when they approached her for the Dignity in Motion show she immediately agreed.
Juan Barnard, one of the participants based at the Napier shelter in Green Point, said he always wanted to do the waltz but never got the opportunity. He described the show as a “life-changing experience.”
“It was a humbling experience. We didn’t do this for anyone but for ourselves. Seeing the reaction from the audience brought tears to my eyes. I have made a lot of friends. I’ve learned that through hard work and determination you can achieve anything.”
He also shared a message with the broader public.
“Those faces that you see on the street are people with potential. They just need opportunities.”
Barnard expressed his gratitude to everyone involved who helped bring the show to life.
Valayadum said watching the clients perform on stage after months of preparation was a heartwarming moment.
“I was crying. They were giving testimonies through dance, and it was a professional production.
“Some of their families came to watch the show as well and it was so emotional to see how they hugged each other after the show.”
Valayadum explained that due to popular demand they hope to have another show next month but could not provide a date yet.
