Jazzart according to Sifiso Kweyama!

Today, our first and only interview was with Sifiso Kweyama, the director of the Jazzart Dance Theatre. The theatre was founded in 1973, and Kweyama said it focuses on the combination of Western and African dance styles, as well as social justice.

“Dancing is the only universal language,” Kweyama said. 

The program is partially government funded, and the money is used to support the training of rising stars who cannot afford dance school. The students train vigorously for three years in ballet, commercial, and traditional dance, as well as chorography, improvisation, and stagecraft. 

Jasmine Mazwi, Sifiso Kweyama, Emma Derr, and Khusi Veto at Bush Radio.

Kweyama said that dancing is grueling, difficult work. To dance both safely and elegantly takes a while to learn. Kweyama said that sometimes a minute of choreography takes a week to plan and learn. Kweyama said the classes are led by the leading dance teachers in South Africa.

“To me, dance symbolizes both peace and politics,” Kweyama said.  He explained that the outreach of the theatre is central to the its mission. The program can provide jobs and a future to marginalised populations. Kweyama said through dance, the company wishes to communicate cultural inclusiveness, empowerment, and peace. The goal is to tell a story. “Parliament doesn’t talk about dancing,” Kweyama said. He said he hopes that they start to pay attention because the program is making a positive impact in the community.

 Each students’ time with the Jazzart Dance Theatre culminates in a performance. There is an upcoming performance called “Archives” on Friday June 22 at 7:30pm and Saturday June 23 at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets are 100 rand, but if you buy two they are 150 rand. For scholars, tickets are only 50 rand. To buy a seat, dial 021-421-7695.

If you are interested in the program, new spaces will open up at the end of the winter. There will be auditions in September or October. The theatre also offers adult classes during the weekday. More information can be found on their Facebook page: @jazzart.dance.7

Presented and produced by Khusi Veto, Jasmine Mazwi, and Emma Derr.

--Emma Derr