With youth unemployment, substance abuse and social pressures continuing to affect many families in Ratanda, a local arts organisation is using dance as a powerful tool to redirect young lives and rebuild a sense of purpose in the community.

The Ratanda Dance Evolution (RDE), a community-based organisation operating under the Bokamoso Home and the Lesedi Show Choir (LSC), will host its first youth-focused dance and performance workshop on February 7, offering young people a constructive alternative to social ills.

According to the organisation’s director, Thabang Nature Mokoena, the initiative was born from concerns for the direction many young people are taking.

“We see many young people falling into bad habits because they feel there is nothing else for them. Through dance and the arts, we want to show them that there is a positive life beyond substance abuse and crime, and that their talents can open doors. Our vision is to create a safe, creative space where young people can grow, dream and build a better future,” he said.

Mokoena said experienced performers from the LSC, which has spent years performing across SA and internationally, will facilitate the workshop.

“This is also about giving back because we have travelled and learnt. Now, we want to transfer that knowledge to our children and youth here at home.

“Although this will be the first official workshop hosted by the Ratanda Dance Evolution, the organisation has grown steadily over the years. Several choreographers in the group have gained recognition for their work, reflecting the collective’s continued artistic development.

“One of the organisation’s proudest achievements was touring Europe and sharing SA cultures on international stages,” he said.

Mokoena also highlighted the economic challenges faced by many members of the RDE.

“For a long time, dancing could not put food on the table. Most of us come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and that reality pushed us to think beyond performance.

“We established the Bokamoso Home to help address unemployment in the organisation while creating sustainable opportunities for the members. The centre continues to grow and plays a key role in supporting artistic and economic empowerment.

“The upcoming workshop will mark the beginning of long-term change within the community. The organisation aims to expand its programmes beyond Ratanda and establish branches in other townships,” he said.