Baby-steps on dance floor
2007-08-30
OVER two thousand learners from all over the Western Cape were given a unique opportunity to perform in a professional theatre setting during Artscape’s School Arts Festival.
They include dance groups from Mbekweni Primary, Paulus Joubert Primary and William Lloyd Primary.
This year over 80 schools from across the province participated for free in the two and a half week festival which climaxes with a gala tonight at which the 15 best schools have been invited to perform.
Artscape is the only state subsidised performing arts institution in the country to host a provincial school arts festival.
Over the past seven years, this event has grown in stature to become the largest annual Artscape development project.
“This is an educational arts showcase for learners of all ages to display their diverse talents in classical ballet, choral performances, orchestral ensembles, modern dance, hip hop and African music.
“Although the festival is not a competition, the gala concert recognises the performing arts excellence of the top 15 schools,” says Marlene le Roux, Director of Artscape’s Audience Development and Education Department.
“The festival offers educators and learners a golden opportunity to perform on a professional stage and experience the behind-the-scenes workings of a professional theatre.
This helps to nurture interest and expose learners to the wealth of opportunities in the performing arts,” says Artscape CEO Michael Maas.
Although the majority of schools are from the Cape metropole, schools as far afield as Beaufort West in the north, George in the Southern Cape, Bredasdorp in the Overberg, Worcester in the Breede River Valley, and several Boland schools are also participating.
This year two schools for disabled learners took part for the first time.
The gala concert starts at 19:00. Tickets cost R25 and are available from Artscape Dial-A-Seat at tel 021-421-7695 or Computicket.
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