Arts Programme

iThemba Labantu’s dance classes expose the children to various styles and forms of dance, like African traditional dance, contemporary dance and free-style. The Jazzart Dance Theatre supports us in this effort by once a week offering contemporary dance classes. African dance classes are the most popular classes and we would like to extend them in order to accommodate more children. African traditional dance encourages children to learn more about their cultural heritage and practices and helps them to build their own identity. An additional benefit of all dance classes is that it keeps the children fit and provides them with a space to move around freely which they can hardly do anywhere in the overcrowded and crime-ridden townships. We furthermore offer our children the opportunity to attend classes on Saturdays which are taking place externally. Those classes, namely the “Sibonele dance project”, a music class by the UCT  department of ethnomusicology, a UCT dance class by Maxwell Rani and “Dance for all”, help them to develop their talents further and open a door into a professional artists network. Excursions to art shows at the Artscape and the Baxter theatre expose them to the professional dance world. Regular performance opportunities give the children a platform to showcase their newly acquired skills and gives us a platform to assess the knowledge they gained. 

Drama is an important tool for preparing students to live and work in a world that is increasingly team orientated rather than hierarchical. Among other things drama classes helps students develop tolerance and empathy. Our lessons focus on developing children that are innovative, tolerant of others and creative in problem solving. Children are encouraged to create plays, write monologues and explore the world of imagination. Drama classes run every day of the week and are essential in shaping our children and preparing them for the world of tomorrow.

In our music department we offer classes in three disciplines, namely

• Marimba – three times a week
• Steelpan – once a week
• Brass – twice a week
• Choir – once a week
• Piano classes – daily
• Music theory – once a week
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We all understand that indigenous African music coexists with the music of other cultures and that both play a significant role in shaping our young minds. 

Therefore we have included both – Western and African music – in our programmes. 

Marimbas serve as a medium to teach indigenous music, while brass and piano classes concentrate on western music. The repertoire of our choir accommodates both traditional and modern songs. It is widely believed that musical training at a young age accelerates brain development. The stimulation of the children’s minds through music is therefore extremely beneficial for their academic performance. In addition to instructing them in various musical skills, we make sure that the children get opportunities to showcase what they have learned through external performances. This builds confidence and strengthens their knowledge of being valued.

Once a week the children get exposed to arts and crafts through our visual arts classes. They learn various drawing techniques which foster the development of their fine motor skills. It gives them the opportunity to experiment with various materials and textures which enables them to develop into open-minded individuals. The classes encourage them to discover their own creativity and they learn how to express their feelings. Coming from overcrowded living conditions it gives them a space to calm down and to connect with their inner selves. The creation of a tangible piece of art work gives them a sense of achievement and builds their self-esteem. This class is furthermore used as a therapeutic avenue for our children.

They are often not willing or able to divulge information about the challenges they face in their daily lives, be it problems in their family, at school, in their general surrounding or otherwise. Through these classes they seem willing to draw, paint or sculpt thoughts or imaginations and we gain insight into the issues that threaten their wellbeing. Regular outing to art exhibition and galleries will inspire them to new ideas which can be implemented back in class. Art exhibition Our last art exhibition was colorful and made the children proud.