Step by step: the life-changing moves of Durban's dance companies
In the heart of Durban, a creative renaissance is underway, one that not only encourages artistic expression but also builds a strong sense of community.
As artists gather to hone their skills and explore their creativity, we highlight two dance companies that are transforming lives through the power of dance.
Founded by Lliane Loots, the Flatfoot Dance Company emerged from a pressing need for a dedicated space where young black dancers could get contemporary training.
Reflecting on the early days, Loots recalls: “It started at that historic moment in 1994, just as a training programme for dancers.
“I realised that there was a lack of space, specifically for young black dancers to come and learn contemporary dance training ... I was surprised because people just started to come,” said the artistic director.
What began as a small training programme has since blossomed into a professional dance company rooted in community engagement.
By 2005, the momentum increased: “In 2005, the training had grown. We applied for a little bit of funding and got it. That was kind of the birth of the professional company.
“At that time, all I had hoped to do was create this extraordinary space to be a choreographer and to work with dancers in a shared way of making work,” said Loots.
“Even though we landed up being a strong contemporary dance company, that idea at heart was still there and that’s what gave rise to all our community engagement programmes that have grown alongside the company.”
She added that she never imagined the growth: “You kind of just start with the hope of something and work with an open heart and take up opportunities that come our way.”
Over the years, Flatfoot has expanded its reach and impact. Aside from the professional company, they have the Flatfoot Downie Dance Company among others.
“We create a space to train and encourage young dancers to find this is a pathway for themselves.”
The company's township projects, which target areas like Umlazi, KwaMashu and Clermont are pivotal in providing accessible opportunities for young talent for just a R50 registration fee.
Inclusivity is also a core value at Flatfoot. The company hosts initiatives aimed at individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.
“We work with dancers with Down Syndrome and other kinds of intellectual disabilities. We do a beautiful wheelchair dance project, in fact, we will be calling for new dancers for persons using a wheelchair who want to try out the arts, at the end of March.
“For the township projects we take people from 6 years and up and for the projects around disability, we work with young adults, from 16 years and up,” shared Loots.
Through these programmes, an astounding 250 young people benefit annually from the opportunity to express themselves.
“For me, coming from an educational background, I’ve watched people’s lives being changed by being involved in these projects ...
“It’s the idea of giving people, often in forgotten spaces, an opportunity to shine, to rise, to find something else about themselves that they might not have known before.
“People don’t have to come just because they want to be dancers. People can come because they want to be part of a community.
“It’s a safe community space around caring, support and nurture. I always think that dance changes your life, so for me, this is the work. I feel like this is a beautiful legacy of something that’s really important to the heart of Flatfoot.”
Looking ahead, Flatfoot is preparing to launch two exciting new projects in early 2025.
At the end of February, a partnership with the KZN SA Gallery will culminate in two productions, featuring a guest dancer from Kenya.
Then, in April, the annual season will return to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, with Loots choreographing a new production collaboratively with the dancers.
Simultaneously, another significant player in Durban's arts scene is the Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation, founded in 1994 by Colin Fourie and Gail Snyman.
Managed today by Jarryd Watson, the organisation aims to give children, disadvantaged youth and people living with disabilities consistent access to the arts.
“It was created to give disadvantaged youth and people living with disabilities access to the arts ... It’s been run by three generations. I’m the third generation and took over in 2007, especially with the project, ”Dance Movement“.
“I lived in Germany at the time, trying to figure out my own artistic career when Gail reached out to me and wanted me to take over,” said Watson.
He said while it is a challenge to access funding to run the organisation, he still puts his heart and soul into each project, each day.
“Despite the lack of support, we’ve had many successes over the years with the projects that we’ve done, taking kids overseas and the festivals we’ve managed to produce.
“For the past nine years, we’ve excelled around the country with our disability programme.
“Young children and disadvantaged youth and children with disabilities are able to come to us for training. The kids get the opportunity to get dance accreditation education through dance exams, and they also get exposure to festivals and shows,” he said.
With its Special Needs Inclusive Training Skills and Development programme, the organisation has specialised in working with those living with disabilities, hence its success in the last nine years.
“We have especially mastered the art of working with wheelchair users. We’ve also worked with people who are visually impaired and for the past three years we have been producing our own disability festival called the Durban Inclusivity Arts Festival.
Watson said it’s heart-warming to see the kids so excited when they walk in for the first time.
“Kids are so excited to come through, especially with the dance programmes. Dance is trending all over social media, so to come into a space where they can learn that, makes them extremely happy.”
He said as the programme builds momentum, the kids become very confident, but the most important thing for Watson is that they get to be in a space where they are exposed to different things other than the social ills that they’re exposed to outside the organisation.
“I’ve had such a great experience working with these kids. It’s always delightful to be able to share the skills I have and watch them grow. That’s always been rewarding.
In a world where financial constraints loom large, both Flatfoot and the Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation stand as beacons of hope, proving that the arts can indeed transform lives and communities.
As Watson puts it, “Arts is very good for their holistic development. It builds their confidence, which can change the path of their lives. It’s also therapeutic in that it can help them with emotional as well as psychological stability.
“Most importantly they are learning a skill that can be used in the future. Being in the arts gives you endless opportunities to explore life in different ways.”
To get involved in dance, email Watson at jayjdw@yahoo.com or Loots at Lootsl@ukzn.ac.za.