Cape Town - The Imibala Trust in Somerset West recently opened a ballet studio offering disadvantaged children the opportunity to learn and practise dance.
The trust was established in 2002 by Gaynor Rupert, wife of philanthropist Johann Rupert with a vision to support, nature and develop school children coming from underprivileged backgrounds.
From previously practising in a local old church that burnt down the trust invested in a brand new studio which is currently a dance home to 80 pupils. The kids are from five underprivileged schools in the Helderberg region.
Over the years The Imibala Trust has played a huge role in bringing opportunities to its attendees, with Ayabonga Mani a dancer who has been part of the programme and is now on a dance scholarship in New York.
“The inspiring work done by Imibala is about creating dreams, changing the hearts and minds of those it touches,” said Mani.
Speaking at the opening of the studio, Gaynor Rupert said: “My first love is classical ballet but with this programmes we also teach other forms of dance such as Modern, Latin American, Hip Hop, Traditional or whatever the kids seem to be interested in and enjoying
“We also teach all art, music, pottery, coding, computer skills, cooking and any other extra mural activities that will give a child joy. That is our sole purpose, to try to make children’s lives happier,” she said.
With the opening of the new studio the Trust entered into a mentoring partnership with Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB).
The partnership will involve guest instruction given by the CTCB professional ballet dancers, monthly visits to CTCB rehearsals, trips to the theatre and other exciting dance related experiences for the children.
Trust also provides a basic school uniform to children from challenged backgrounds.
New children are identified and adopted on the programme as part of the continued effort to support parents facing extreme financial and social restraints.