Nelson Mandela Bay Dance Festival

EXPERIENCED COMMITTEE SPEARHEADS NELSON MANDELA BAY DANCE FESTIVAL

The much-anticipated Nelson Mandela Bay Dance Festival (previously known as the PE Dance Festival) is set to dazzle audiences at the Savoy Theatre from 26 - 31 August. This celebration of dance, that was established 43 years ago by Jennifer Abraham and Hermione Ballinger, promises to be an unforgettable experience thanks to the exceptional dedication and expertise of the organizing committee.

The NMBDF committee, comprising of seasoned professionals and passionate dance enthusiasts, has meticulously curated a festival that showcases a diverse range of dance styles from 20 dance studios in the Eastern and Southern Cape. From classical ballet to hip hop, traditional performances to cutting-edge modern choreography, the festival offers something for every dance lover.

“Our committee's collective qualified experience and unwavering commitment is the backbone of this festival," said Nici Lovemore, Chair of the NMBDF committee. The teachers representing the committee include Susan Zerbst, representing ballet, says that her ballet studio has been involved in the festival for 38 years. Zerbst also danced as a young girl on the NMBDF stage and highlights the importance of dancers to get stage experience and also to receive constructive feedback from an internationally esteemed adjudicator. Zerbst added that it provides a platform for dancers to perform, be they career-aspiring dancers or just dancing for the love of it.

Lauren McCarthy who shares the responsibility of hip hop role with Leanka Laubscher said, “I participated in this festival as a 4-year-old girl and as a dancer and as a teacher I have made the most wonderful memories and have met the most amazing people.” McCarthy added that she met her studio partner Heidi Sampson while waiting in line to perform their solos at festival when they were little girls. “We came from two different studios and did not know each other at all but now run a dance studio together.” Sampson represents tap on the committee and is delighted that her youngest daughter will be participating in her first NMBDF this year. “It’s such a full circle moment for me,” she said. Laubscher’s studio is 10 years old. “It is such a blessing to see my dancers live their dream on stage and to receive such wonderful support and recognition for their hard work.”

Carmen de Sousa is from Knysna represents the national category on the committee. She applauded the support she has received from other teachers during festival. Candice Johnstone, who represents modern/contemporary, also danced on the NMBDF stage as a young girl and recalls her first memorable experience under the spotlights on the historic Opera House stage. “Festival plays a huge role in developing local talent and exposing my studio to other dancers and genres,” said Johnstone. “It also introduces them to a professional environment and allows them to be part of that environment.”

This year the NMB Dance Festival has a record-breaking 661 individual entrants. They will grace the stage with more than 1634 dance routines during Festival. The 10-day long celebration of everything that is dance will culminate in a gala celebration. The gala event will showcase the performance highlights of the festival. It will also include the Awards Presentation and will take place on Saturday 31 August from 19h00 – 22h00.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased at the door of the Savoy Theatre for R50 per person per day. Gala tickets for Saturday, 31 August for R120 per person, on www.webtickets.co.za.

NMBDF will continue to be a testament to the vibrant dance community and will leave a lasting impact on all who participate and attend.

For more information contact the NMBDF committee on ca@cashie.co.za or 084 502 3300.