Dancer moves to bring joy to her community
VANRHYNSDORP teen, Banze Iness, took her passion for dance to the next level when she started a dance school in the street of her local community, Hopland, during lockdown.
All this while participating in Danslyn, a dance TV programme on kyk-NET where the 17-year-old was selected as one of only 13 in the province to take part. During lockdown, while participating in online dance lessons for the show, she realised that there was a need for a dance school in Hopland to keep the local children busy and inspired. She started her dance school in the street and they rehearsed on an open field. The group have even taken to entertaining their community with free shows.
“My town does not have many opportunities for people like me who have dreams. In this town I have seen talent that many cannot buy but exposure is not here,” Banze said.
“Dance is my lifeline, food for my soul and as one knows if your soul is happy, you are happy.”
She said coming from a big family – she is one of eight siblings – with one parent working to support them has not been easy but this is where dance has become an escape.
“Dance made me happy when I was at my lowest. Dance made me feel at ease when the storm of struggling wanted to pull me over. Dance became a powerful weapon for me. When I’m sad I hear the first beat of a song. No matter what, I would indulge in it. My brain would automatically design moves and I would forget about my sadness because I have dance, that is all I need.”
Vanrhynsdorp High School is where she was encouraged to share her talent with the world by entering Dans in jou Taal on kykNET, followed by an audition for the Danslyn show.
Her teacher, Laurika Steenkamp, said: “The next step is to rehearse in Johannesburg on January 16, 2021. The TV programme for Danslyn will then be filmed. Banze’s dream is becoming a reality. Sponsorship is desperately needed to further support her. If you feel inspired, please contact me,” she said. Steenkamp can be contacted on laurikaste@gmail.com or on 027 219 1010.