Bringing ballroom back!

POLOKWANE – Dance is a fun way to express yourself while burning calories all in one go.

This belief spurred on a young dance instructor to open his own studio and encourage everyone in the city, young and old, to get moving.

Jack Mawasha, founder and CEO of JAMA Dance Studios, is a ballroom dance instructor who is passionate about dancing. The ‘JAMA’ abbreviation arose from both his name and surname, ‘JA’ (from Jack) and ‘MA’ (from his surname Mawasha). JAMA was established in 2004, four years after he was introduced to ballroom dance.
He studied BSC (Bachelor of Sciences) at the University of Limpopo, but quit his studies to pursue his dance career, proving just how deep his passion runs.
“I was introduced to dancing when I was 15 years old by a friend of mine who used to dance. I used to accompany him to dance at school, realised my passion for it, and realised there was a gap in the market for skilled black dancers. He basically dragged me into dancing,” he jokes.
Initially, he found a hall in a church for his dance studio and thus opened with one student. The fee he charged his lone student paid the rent at the hall.
He says dancing is very important for us as it boosts our personalities, builds confidence and helps us concentrate.
“It’s also a very good sport for kids because it helps them strengthen their body structures, especially posture.”
He charges R350 to R400 for lessons and tutors people from as young as four and as old as 70. Mawasha has many dance students but always welcomes new students.
“In terms of our teaching routines or schedules, we visit different schools and workplaces weekly and try to accommodate learners and workers who can’t make it to our studios due to their busy schedules.”
The older dance students at JAMA have earned ballroom dance titles around the country. “This is very rare and unusual for their age group to win such big titles during any dance tour and shows how dedicated we are as a dance club.
“JAMA accommodates dance learners with transport as well for those who struggle with transport.”
JAMA Dance Studios also offers a team-building activity which involves visiting different theatres to observe different dance styles.
“Because they’re from different schools and places, we take the students on a team-building camp.
“This makes them aware of each other so that when they meet or go on tours and competitions, they already know one another. We’re one big happy family,” he concludes.
anne@nmgroup.co.za