SA choreographer roots for Batswana artists
Mpho Tlale | Monday May 19, 2014 16:19
He said that unlike in South Africa, Botswana is a bit slow in the arts. Mhlongo said that encouragement and support should come from the grassroots so that youngsters can be groomed earlier. He pointed out that in South Africa, the culture department offers artists tremendous support but in Botswana it seems things are different. His wish is that Botswana officials could learn something from his hiring.
Mhlongo said that this is not the only big event that will be hosted in Botswana and the country should be ready with its own talent to provide services like choreography. He asserted that the facilities are there and what is lacking is the support.
The dancer is coordinating the dance pieces that will mark the opening and closing of the Youth Games to be hosted from May 22-31. He has brought two assistants to help in teaching and coordinating the dance pieces. Locally he is assisted and advised by Andrew Kola of Mophato Dance Theatre.
Mhlongo said that in his dance pieces are a mix of elements from Botswana and other parts of Africa. These include the rain dance, minerals, especially diamonds and the big five. He said the dancers are on the right track and he has pushed them to perform.
A seasoned dancer of note, Mhlongo said he will get it right because this is not the first time that he has delivered under similar circumstances. His team started practising on Tuesday last week and so far, 50 dancers have got the hang of the choreography moves he taught them. He is working on perfecting the routine in the remaining days. One hundred more dancers who are classified as supporting acts were expected to join the crew last Thursday for rehearsals.
In total 150 dancers are expected to perform in the highly anticipated opening ceremony.