Truly inspiring and endearing performance
to watch. (Review by Marcia Mzindle)
The rain could not keep us away as we
celebrated a night of affirmation of friendship, triumph beyond circumstances
and a celebration of dance. We gathered at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 for the Flatfoot Dance Company’s 2nd annual
integrated programme in conjunction with the Flatfoot Downie Dance Company for
a dance work Ngila (I am here). The
night was one for the books as we gathered in celebration of the power of dance
and the African concept of Ubuntu for I am, because you are.
The night’s curtain-raiser was by Flatfoot
Junior Company which offered the performance of Sesila/We are here! performed and choreographed by the Flatfoot
Dance Company’s Sbonga Ndlovu, Ndumiso Dube, Siseko Duba, Qhawe Ndimande and
Mthoko Mkhwanazi. The group created a work that explores issues of community
and solidarity amongst five young black South African men portrayed through
strong, yet delicate, unified movements and a brotherhood that could be felt
beyond the stage. The stage lit in faint white lights and misty creating an
ambience which I translated to be the concept of “no man is an island” - living in this world we all in need of
companionship, support, love, and community. We are stronger as collective.
The night followed with Ngila/I am here, choreographed by Lliane
Loots in collaboration with the dancers. Four Flatfoot dancers Sifiso Khumalo,
Qhawe Ndimande, Jabu Siphika and Zinhle Nzama partnered up with their
counterparts, Karl Hebbelman, Charles Phillips, Kevin Govender and Michaela
Munro. The programme’s choreography is best described as a dance explosion that
is an affirmation of faith, courage and the joy of dance. The curtain rises and
the dancers are standing stage left huddled as the spotlight slowly rises upon
them. Four-legged wooden stools set on each side of the stage running from
upstage to down, the dancers dressed in blue shirts, grey pants and white vest
slowly raise their heads looking to the ceiling followed by their right hands
slowly rising, reaching up then dropped.
We sit engaged to what flourishes to be the
most beautiful, charismatic and playful dance. A light-hearted story of
friendship and love, a play of hide and seek. The dancers’ passion and energy
was carried throughout the dance and stage. I was inspired by the tickles and
giggles, the spontaneous Michael Jackson moves and vibrant music which was both
mischievous and playful enhancing the mood, the dance work and strong
friendship being forged on stage. It was a truly inspiring and endearing
performance to watch.
The performance was offered as a fundraiser
by the Flatfoot Dance Company to help culminate the year-long integrated dance
programme working with dancers with Down syndrome fondly referred to as the
Flatfoot Downie Dance Company.
To find out more about the programme email:
Flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com or visit Website: https://flatfootdancecompany.webs.com
– Marcia Mzindle
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