After spending most of his time traversing the world, local choreographer Stoan Galela is ready to unearth local talent.
The Gugulethu-born dancer is not just honing dance skills, but hopes to get children off the streets. Galela spent October last year performing in Vienna, Austria and is now back to plough back what he learned overseas.
On Saturday 11 March, Galela teamed up with Hashtag Move organisation for a “first of its kind” dance boot camp at Isivivana Centre, in Khayelitsha. Hundreds of local children and the surrounding communities gathered at the hall for a day of fun.
Galena described the event as part of giving young people a platform to showcase their talent. “We have dance sessions where they compete with each other,” he said.
Among others, children performed local dances like ispantsula, amapiano and hip-hop.
“Our aim is to take children away from the streets. We are trying to move them away from substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and gangsterism. We are also trying to encourage them to take dance seriously as a career,” he said, adding that being a dancer keeps a child active.
Galela said being a choreographer can also open a lot of doors.
“I became a choreographer in 2011. Last year, I spent October performing in Vienna, Austria. It was a nice experience. Coming from a township like Gugulethu and performing internationally was a big achievement for me. I’d love to see many more children from our townships getting the same opportunity,” he stated.
Galela plans to conduct the event twice a year. His next stop will be in Gugulelethu.
“I was just testing the waters. But I was overwhelmed with the support I received in Khayelitsha. Parents came out in large numbers with their children. I hope the second session in Gugulethu will be even bigger,” he said.
Parent Yonela Silulwana described the event as entertaining. Not only did they watch their children pull some of the most fascinating dance moves, parents also had an opportunity to watch a movie ‘My father the mover’.
Directed by Julia Jansch, the 2020 movie features Galela and his daughter, Alatha. It has been screened to audiences in many countries.
Silulwana labelled the experience as exciting.
“It was great.The children enjoyed it a lot as they were dancing and playing games and the jumping castle. We would like to see more of these kinds of events for our children because they keep them safe,” she said.
One of the children Siphenathi Kuta (11) said the event was fun. He urged the organisers to organise another event.