Open D dancers raise R60 000 for charity

The Open D dancers held a sold-out concert, Rise of the Phoenix, at the NG Gemeente.

November 30, 2023

Emily Wellman Bain 2 minutes read

The triumph of the day is a rousing rendition of the can-can. Seen here are Mandy Pereira, Shelly George, Desiree Edwards, Karen Gallanetti and Tracy Hill.

Invested communities are the salve that makes all the difference to the lives and lived experiences of those less fortunate who live in them.

Never was this truer than when a local dance troop, Open D, decided to host a dance extravaganza with a difference.

Despite none of the performers being professional, they managed to sell tickets to friends and family in aid of another local organisation that helps the homeless transition sustainably off the streets.

Mandy Pereira, Shelley George, Desiree Edwards, Karen Gallanetti and Tracy Hill.

Held in the hall at the NG Gemeente Aasvoëlkop, the performers literally and figuratively danced their hearts out to ensure those who had bought tickets to attend got bang for their buck.

The tap dance trio: Tarryn Allie, Desiree Edwards and Karen Gallanetti.

Performances from a wide variety of dance styles were on show with everything from classical ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, tap and more. Guest dancers came from near and far to enjoy not only dancing but doing what they love for a good cause.

Jack Edwards, Jonathan Kaplan and Andrew Garratt.

The Johannesburg Homelessness Network (JHN), headed by Mary Gillett-de Klerk works tirelessly with civil society and government to create fit-for-use plans and programmes to help those homeless. In previous reports by this journalist, the shelter system is not a fit-for-all solution. For those who would prefer to go to a shelter, it is often impossible with 1 134 beds available for the 25 384 homeless, so out-of-the-box thinking is essential.

Kelvin and Richard Bain with Carol van Niekerk.

“It was a fabulous afternoon filled with families and friends all together to enjoy a lovely concert which obviously took a huge amount of rehearsing and dedication from the performers. The JHN is truly humbled by everyone’s generosity, especially at this time when homelessness is on the rise across Joburg,” says Gillett-de Klerk.

“When hearts and minds collaborate for good, it’s impossible not to achieve the goal,” says Tracy Hill from the Open D dancers.

Little McKenzie Edwards is in her element watching all of the performers.

“The Rise of the Phoenix fundraiser was a sell-out, supported by family, friends and colleagues who came to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and at the same time support a most worthy cause. We were absolutely overwhelmed by the turnout.”

She and the other dancers were thrilled at the generosity of everyone who contributed in one way or another to the success of the event.

“Our hearts are full of gratitude and we are already looking forward to planning next year’s event.”

Magda Marie Swart performs beautifully in between some of the performances.

Dancing queens: Karen Gallanetti, Mandy Pereira, Tracy Hill, Tarryn Allie and Shelley George.

Desiree Edwards travels to Berario all the way from Alberton to dance each week with the Open D dancers who have become more like family than people with a common interest. “What an absolute honour to share the stage with all of the guest performers who joined forces with us to raise money for such a great cause. We are so grateful to everyone who had a hand in making the show such a success and we are thankful to each spectator who came to watch and support us.”