Dance school tries to stay on its feet

AMOYO Dance School in Imizamo Yethu has been assisting underprivileged children reach their full potential through dance since 2015, but now the school is in a dire situation and is reaching out to the community to help keep it afloat.

The non-profit organisation offers vulnerable youth the opportunity to learn ballet, African dance, contemporary dance and speech and drama among other art forms and hopes to empower the youth to overcome their circumstances.

The organisation was established when an existing dance school, which served the Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg communities, fell on hard times, but now this organisation is also struggling to stay on its feet.

“After two major operational funding let downs, Amoyo appealed to the public to save the after-school programme for the next six months, while seeking larger corporate and government funding.

“Many of our students come from backgrounds where there’s domestic violence, a lack of stability, absent parents and unemployment.

“Some live in extremely cramped conditions and don’t have a proper meal at home.

“With Amoyo we have become the family many of our students don’t have,” said Amoyo teacher Kim Worrall.

She said Amoyo has assisted over 300 students who participated in the programmes since its opening and those who attended the programmes have been commended on their overall improvement in school and attitude.

“In two and a half years, we have increased school attendance, quadrupled our attendees, have potential school dropouts now becoming our role models and leaders.

“Children (are) auditioning and being selected for professional shows.

“We give encouragement, motivation and support in the way that every child and person should get in life, but too few actually do. We have seen the impact Amoyo has had on these wonderful children and we really hope the public will continue to support our BackaBuddy campaign,” said Worrall.

Amoyo has raised R109 183 towards its goal of R480 000.

All donors qualify for a section 18A tax clearance certificate, which is issued by Amoyo.

To find out more about Amoyo visit its crowdfunding campaign for BackaBuddy at www.backabuddy.co.za/amoyo-performing-arts-foundation.