Darion Adams transforms Manenberg through the power of dance

In the heart of Manenberg, a community often associated with hardship, Darion Adams is rewriting the narrative through the power of dance. 

This multitalented freelance artist, dancer, educator, choreographer, and project coordinator recently gripped the attention of an online audience with captivating choreography performed in a council flats’ backyard, bringing positive attention to his community and inspiring hope for change.

Adams’s dance routine shows an aerial view into a backyard, fenced in by rusty barbwire, odd pieces of corrugated steel sheets and splintered wooden pieces - a familiar scene of demarcating spaces in overcrowded backyards on the Cape Flats. 

The outside space is a section of white tiles on which he brings to life a choreographed piece of dance ahead of performances to be held over the next few months.

The serene sound stitched into the video is interspersed with contrasting, bustling sounds of a neighbourhood often reported for its crime. 

Adams, however, aims to inspire the youth of Manenberg to rise above their circumstances through art and open-air cinematic experiences, and has challenged the community to follow suit by getting involved in upliftment programmes.

Adams said the backyard space of a neighbour is often used for practice and rehearsing. 

“It was the first time I uploaded myself practising in the yard. I felt inspired and just put my phone up and started recording sections of choreography. 

“That is my space and I want to emphasise, after a lot of people viewed it, they commented to ‘give him a studio’ and ‘give him a space’. I can, as a working artist, get to a studio, but as an artist who has access to a space like that is priceless. Because it meant that when I shared it, people could see Manenberg differently and shift their perspective of Manenberg and the people who exist here. It really is inspiring to see that my decision as an artist to amplify the work of Manenberg through my art and the vision of Arts in Manenberg (AIM) Society,” he said.

Adams, having completed his diploma in Dance Education at UCT Centre for Theatre Dance and Performance Studies and Professional Performance at Jazzart Dance Theatre, was recently awarded the Pina Bausch Fellowship for 2025, where he engaged with various arts organisations.

As the founder of the AIM Society, Adams said he is “committed to reshaping the cultural landscape of Manenberg through multidisciplinary arts initiatives”.

This includes movie screenings for youngsters who have gathered in Thames Walk, Manenberg, and has, since its inception in 2023, laid a foundation for community upliftment.

A resident, identified as Lady J, reacted to the inaugural movie screening in 2023. 

“The impact that this movie night had in Thames Walk, (it) being the heart of Manenberg, has impacted a lot of young people. It teaches them about their environment and teaches them about their indigenous way of living. It was very educational and informative. The turnout was amazing, and the kids loved it, and they understood it because it was in their native tongue as well.”

Adams said: “I choose to be here and I love it here - it’s my home. And sharing my art with those around me allows perspectives to be shifted about what can be done at home.”

Adams said he started AIM to plough back into his community.

“My desire is for AIM to grow into a well-established artist company that works in Manenberg. Our stories will leap from Manenberg onto the ears of the world. I want to bring people here, but more so have people from the community participate…Manenberg is not just dangerous.

“Violence is here and it's very present, we know that. But it is not the only thing, and that is what needs to be amplified,” said Adams.

Currently, the cinematic experiences are scheduled to run every second Saturday and are reliant on donations for popcorn and snacks. 

For more information, contact Darion Adams on 0769049920 or email adamsdarion6@gmail.com

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za