Background
The South African Dance Foundation has organised an Open Dance Championships competition planned to take place from 11 - 12 December in Cape Town. In the past, such competitions did not have provision for the traditional dance genre, but due to continued recognition of this genre, it has started to be competitive, hence, created platform for previously marginalised and rural youth who has the interests in this genre to showcase their talent.
The Mmabana Taung traditional dance is the most active unit that contribute significantly towards entertainment offered by the center. They are the pride of the center and seldom attend competitions. Majority of the dancers as per the assessment conducted by the Department of Social Department, their family depends on social and old age pension grants for survival, while others depend on families that are unemployed. The report also indicates majority struggling financially and often have thoughts of quitting the classes due to lack of incentives and to resort for street hassling.
COMPETITION APPROACH
The Mmabana Team will compete in two separate categories comprising of 15 members each group. About 30 dancers have been identified with four support staff to assist in the logistical and other related matters.