WATCH: Inclusive dance takes centre stage at festival

The Sibikwa Arts Centre was alive with creativity and inspiration recently as beneficiaries of Afrika Tikkun (NPO) were captivated by the breath-taking performances of disabled dancers during the third instalment of the Body Moves International Inclusive Dance Festival.

Attendees left feeling uplifted, with a renewed sense of hope that there are platforms for disabled artists to share their talents while fostering cultural cooperation.

The festival, held in commemoration of Disability Awareness Month, showcased an array of workshops by international and local facilitators, and breath-taking performance shows at the centre, Diepsloot, Orange Farm, Alex, Braamfontein and Market Theatre.

In the coming weeks, the production will be showcased in Cape Town.

Emphasising inclusivity, the festival is aimed at challenging perceptions in regards to dance and disability as well as to promote cultural exchange, collaboration and cooperation between African and European countries.

This year the centre partnered with Mark Smith Productions and Very Easy Productions from the UK to create the electrifying dance performance SYNERGYS, which reflected on the impact of climate change on disabled communities. Also featured is Bells and Sirens 2, a bold piece that explores identity and expression, choreographed by Daveyton resident, Thapelo Kotlolo.

Sibikwa Arts Centre CEO Caryn Green, said: “Every year we’re always looking for new formats for the festival. In previous years, we invited numerous companies from Europe and Africa. This year, we decided to work with a smaller ensemble, including one company from the UK, as we were very intentional about reaching multiple spaces and venues. Instead of asking people to come to Sibikwa, we’re bringing the work to them.”

Green added that on November 21, they hosted groups from the Mary Moodley and Zanele Mbeki Care Centres who participated in interactive workshops designed to empower and inspire attendees through dance.

“Facilitators focused on teaching moves that could easily be incorporated into daily routines for exercise and enjoyment. Special attention was given to wheelchair users, with exercises targeting upper-body movement. Participants described the sessions as therapeutic, inspiring, and joyful.”

The Head of Disability at Afrika Tikkun, Lana Rooi, indicated that they have partnered with Sibikwa through their Arts and Culture department to help develop facilitators who will visit their centers and engage beneficiaries in body movement and art activities.

“The key to addressing disability and inclusion is building an ecosystem. We cannot work in isolation and expect to solve disability-related challenges in South Africa. This partnership is important because it allows us to move away from working separately and instead come together for a unified approach,” explained Rooi explained.

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