Cape Town City Ballet's outreach initiative brings dance to over 200 young people

A partnership between the City’s Community Services and Health Directorate and the Cape Town City Ballet saw more than 200 young people experiencing arts and culture from all over Cape Town.

Over the recent school holidays, four two-day activations were hosted in various communities, attracting more than 200 young people. Read more below:

The City said the outreach initiative, funded through the Community, Arts & Culture Development Department’s Grants-In-Aid programme, aims to make ballet more accessible to the public through inclusive dance experiences.

It said during the recent school holidays, four two-day workshops were held at four venues: Claremont Civic Centre, Mowbray Town Hall, Edgemead Community Hall, and the Hillcrest Community Hall.

Eighty participants were invited to each workshop, from communities including Gugulethu, Bonteheuwel, Mitchells Plain, Delft, Philippi, Athlone, Belhar, Elsies River, and Eerste River.

The programme included structured workshops, and a participant showcase on the final day.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham explained: “It’s incredible what’s possible through partnership. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in community outreaches by the Cape Town Opera, Philharmonic and the Cape Town City Ballet.

"The City is incredibly proud to be part of this, particularly because of the positive impact it has on communities and our youth. Based on the feedback we’ve seen from participants, they were thrilled about the exposure to this art form, and the opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends.”

This was the second outreach initiative hosted by Cape Town City Ballet.

The workshops allowed participants to connect with the art form in a meaningful way, beyond theory, through lived experience. Designed to cater for all skill levels, the sessions were made accessible to everyone, ensuring broad community participation.

Cape Town City Ballet Operations Manager, Tasneem Allie added that it formed part of the power of dance and upliftment.

“These workshops were more than just an opportunity to share our love for ballet, they were a chance to connect meaningfully with communities across Cape Town, to nurture emerging talent and to celebrate the rich diversity of our city. Through engagements like these, we are honouring our commitment to making ballet accessible and relevant, and to investing in the future of this beautiful artform.”

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