New Redruth dance studio says ‘no to bullying’

Strong messages ranging from ‘stop bullying’, ‘bullies need help’ to ‘say no to bullying’, boldly stood out as Alberton dancers belonging to Diamond Dance Academy tackled this societal issue head-on.

The New Redruth dance studio officially launched its first-ever anti-bullying campaign to be depicted through dance.

Ahead of next year’s world dance championships, this group of dancers will take the world stage by storm as they promote a dance against bullying. Their message is clear, to say no to bullying.

Diamond Dance Academy founder Lynn Botha said one of her young dancers informed her that she did not want to dance anymore as she was subjected to bullying.

“She said people at school are hurting her, telling her that she’s not good enough. I got so frustrated because it took me back to days when I was bullied at school. The child cried her eyes out and then I knew I had to step in. This prompted our anti-bullying dance campaign,” she said.

Botha said her dancers are like her children and that she was distressed when she first learnt of this problem.

“This stems from a child’s upbringing and environment. Most children have been bullied at some stage in their lives and some take their own lives because of it. We want to avoid that from happening. We are now preparing for this dance, which will create awareness around bullying and will make a big impact,” she explained.

She reiterated that parents from the studio and most community members are involved in the campaign.