Urban Empire to stage Evolution of Dance
Oleosi Kgosi | Tuesday June 20, 2017 16:28
Evolution of Dance is a dance and theatre show presented by Urban Empire Dance Crew Botswana in collaboration with various dancers from different dance groups in Botswana. “The main objective of the event is to tell stories that concern the youth; stories about our lives as artists. We hope to inspire the youth in Botswana by imparting educational information relating to the challenges we face as the youth and coming up with ways of solving them. We present all of these in dance and theatre,” member of Urban Empire, Tumelo Khupe told Showbiz in an interview.
Urban Empire of Dance is the brainchild of Mubangwe Kasamwa. This year’s Evolution of Dance is a sequel to the first one they held in 2016. Khupe said they are thankful to Maitisong Theatre for the opportunity they have given them to use the venue.
“The dance scene in Botswana is alive but not recognised as a big part of the entertainment industry in the country and as dancers we struggle to make people aware that dance is important as it can be used economically for us to fend for ourselves,” she explained. She also said it is difficult for dancers to develop because there are limited facilities for training. Khupe is currently studying performance art in the United States of America and has returned to Botswana to impart some knowledge she gained.
“Dancers face a lot of challenges such as exploitation of their services. We are constantly requested to perform for artists and at some events we are underpaid or not paid at all. Dance is not only a physical activity, it involves mental and emotional stimulation as well as hard work,” she said.
Khupe added that another challenge faced by dancers is lack of facilities to assist their development. She said development is required for them to understand their art form better and use it to show that dance can reach out to people by transmitting important content. “We need support from those that can allow us to travel and gain the exposure we need for growth,” she highlighted.
Khupe said overcoming these challenges is very hard for Urban Empire Dance crew and they rely on their passion to push forward and the courage to inspire young dancers. “Many dancers have already given up but we have taken it upon ourselves that we will continue despite the struggles,” she said. Urban Empire raises funds by teaching dance at Westwood, Maru-a-pula and Rainbow schools.
The event will be graced by performances by Luvuyo ‘Veezo’ Lejowa as well as student dance clubs from the schools that Urban Empire teaches at.