JOHANNESBURG – In its second year, Dlala Mapantsula annual festival in collaboration with the Soweto Theatre invites aspiring and established dancers to take part in the dance competition.

This year Dlala Mapantsula will be celebrating Youth Month – June, whilst marking the 20 years of democracy celebration milestone.

Isi-Pantsula is a spontaneous expression of the lives of young men and women in the townships. In the 1980’s it was a way of expressing self, today it is a firmly established dance-discipline which forms a vital part of community life and provides employment for the youth.

As Soweto Theatre opens its door for the auditions on June 7, Pantsula dancers are urged to attend the auditions to stand a chance to win great prizes. First prize winners will walk away with R30 000, Second prize will stand a chance to win R15 000, R10 000 will go to Third place winners and Solo winner take home R5 000.

“The Soweto Theatre and the large network of Mapantsula are proud to be bringing Dlala Mapantsula festival to the community. This is an opportunity for Johannesburg dancers to showcase their talent. Our role is to provide a platform, a professional stage, to allow new emerging talent to be exposed to the broader public. We hope this year’s competition will see many crews taking part,” says Mpho J Molepo, Actor, Producer and owner of Splendor Trading & Projects.

The contestants will be judged by a professional jury. Post auditions, 20 dance crews will be shortlisted to compete in the spectacular showdown where groups or individuals will walk away with the grand prizes and the title of the best Dlala Mapantsula Group/Individual.

On the June 14 Dlala Mapantsula Festival 2014 will officially launch at the Soweto Main Theatre and close off with the final leg on June 15 and 16, where contestants will come together and see the winners crowned. The winners will be announced at a prestigious event with industry people, families and the members of the public that lives for the love of art.

Interested parties can contact Ncebakazi Thintsila on 079 946 3071 or email: ncebakazit29@gmail.com for further details on the auditions. People can also visit www.sowetotheatre.co.za to register online.

Soweto Theatre encourages the youth to register in order to secure their spot no later than the May 30. Don’t miss the chance of a lifetime to showcase your talent. Join in the festivities and celebrate our youth and 20 years of democracy.