Cape Town - To celebrate 12 years since its inception, the Bridgetown Theatre Company (BTC) will be offering an array of free performing arts classes for the community.
Under the banner, “For the love of the communities we serve”, classes across various genres in dance (hip-hop, freestyle, contemporary, jazz); music (singing, rapping, instruments); and drama (acting, scriptwriting) will be available for arts lovers of all ages.
BTC is a no-fee, non-profit community-based performing arts organisation, established in 2019.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm to 8pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm at the Bridgetown High School and the Bridgetown Community Centre, from November 12. These performing arts classes will culminate in the participants performing at the Athlone “Nantes” Park Summer festival on Reconciliation Day, December 16, 2022.
BTC chairperson Vernon Piedt said instructors are 18 previously unemployed youth.
“They have graduated with performing arts degrees, matriculated or are artistic, talented, unemployed youth. They are 12 women and 13 men who are mentored by four professional theatre makers,” said Piedt.
Performing artist and BTC instructor Thembalethu Zwele, who’s worked with BTC for over six years, said: “Teaching drama made me realise that people don't like arts until they are properly introduced to it with love and passion.
“The topics we’ll deal with are the topics they come up with and which they can relate with.
“So that gives them a different way of looking and approaching it. Self-confidence, discipline, communication skills, and language usage are the values installed along the way.”
Contemporary ballet dancer and choreographer Tamsyn-Lucy Pretorius said the most positive changes seen are increased smiles on the faces of those who have joined, especially the children.
“The positive impact that it can make has made me proud that I can teach and educate on my profession. Not only are they learning to dance or just doing it, they are learning more about what their body can do because it's an instrument.
“It’s an instrument to tell stories without using words because actions speak louder. It keeps them focused and shows them that they can do anything no matter the circumstances or their background.”
For more information, contact Zona Theron on 064 640 5466.