30th June 2010 (0 Comments)

Dance Academy

Tembisa Township (East Rand Johannesburg)

More about IDA

The Indigenous Dance Academy (IDA) is a dance school based in Tembisa Township (Gauteng) that focuses on uplifting the youth through dance. The academy was founded in 2003 by a Tembisa resident, Jarrell Mathebula, at the age of 18, and has grown steadily over the past 7 years.  Jarrel’s passion & skill in dance has inspired many young residents to get involved in the academy.

The dance style taught at the IDA is known as Pantsula, and is a typically South African township street style, which is fast, skilful & high energy.

The IDA dancers are trained in Tembisa and perform at a wide range of events & projects, including corporate functions, school performances, social projects (pensioner homes, HIV children’s care centres), theatre shows, music videos, adverts, dance competitions, etc.

Whilst the majority of funds received through performances are put back into the academy for maintenance & growth, all dancers do receive a share in profits earned.

Where it all began

Being an avid dancer himself, Jarrel saw the positive impact of dance on young people in the community, and wanted to offer a space that supported and encourage them to study the art of dance.

Vision

“Our aim is to empower the youth and to create an international network that will help to showcase

the raw talent we have in this country.”

Achievements

• 4 adverts (Metro FM & ABSA)
• Numerous music videos for local DJ’s & artists
• Ekurhuleni Mayor awards competition, 2008: Best dance group in East Rand Townships
• Johannesburg City Council awards, 2009: Best dance group dance in Johannesburg
• International French Institute dance exchange program has collaborated with the IDA, allowing performing artists from SA townships to perform in theatre shows in France.

• FIFA/MTN national road tour- IDA dancers performed & MC’d on the official FIFA gig rig that travelled around SA for 1 year preceding the soccer world cup.
• Guest performers @ Mzansi awards, 2008
• Performed at FNB dance umbrella, 2010
• Hosts of annual dance competition held in Tembisa which attracts over 1000 local spectators.  This is a 1 day event, and is in its 3^rd year running

The kind of help they could use…

• Office space & equipment
• 2 ten seater transport vehicles
• Clothing/footwear sponsorships
• IDA event sponsorships
• Funding
• Mentorship