Story by Patience Nyagato
DANCE enthusiasts and artists commemorated International Dance Day in Harare this Tuesday, embracing the art form’s diversity, beauty, and its powerful ability to foster unity across cultures.
The spirit of rhythm and cultural pride electrified Kuwadzana 1 High School, where students, teachers, and performers came together for a lively and colourful celebration.
“I am inspired and I know dance will take me places. We are aiming to get to the Red Bull contest and be among the greatest dancers,” one dancer said.
“I know with dance we will be international one day. I think dance should be taken seriously just like soccer,” another participant said.
The importance of dance in education, wellness, and social connection and in the fight against drug abuse came under the spotlight at the same event.
“We are here to remind each other of the power of dance in uniting communities. We have over 500 dance groups in the country and there are a lot of opportunities in the dance sector. Some can be professional dancers, some dance instructors and even entertain and earn a living out of the craft,” president of the National Dance Association of Zimbabwe, Farai Meki said.
“We are very youthful and full of energy and dance is one thing that unifies us and helps us stay away from things like drugs. It occupies our minds and becomes one of the best ways to fight drug abuse,” Artistic Youth Association Chairperson, Munashe Makawa said.
At a time when traditional dance forms are being eclipsed by modern styles due to cultural changes, organisers made a point to encourage dancers to turn their attention to traditional dances before they fade into oblivion.
