Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LOCAL creatives, including dancers from various groups, turned out in impressive numbers to support choreographer Mehluli “Gomez” Dube’s Influx Dance workshop, held on January 24, at Siziba Youth Centre in Njube. Their presence transformed the event into a vibrant show of unity and purpose as it doubled as a campaign to combat drug and substance abuse within the community.
The central idea behind the workshop stemmed from Gomez’s deep passion for dance and his desire to create a safe, creative space where people could gather, connect, and explore movement together.
The workshop succeeded in bringing together a diverse mix of participants, each contributing their unique background and dance style to a rich and collaborative learning environment.
Some of the groups represented included Iyasa, Bolamba Cultural Birds, Sunduza, Simunye Simunye, No Name Dance Crew, Khaya Arts, Qiki Arts, Jabulani Arts, UVM Dance Crew, Pumula Junction and Skhumz The Moon Walker, among many others.
During the workshop, participants were treated to an energetic and engaging programme that featured layered movement exercises designed to challenge and refine technique, as well as rhythmic phasing to explore new approaches to musical interpretation. Other techniques included unpredictable transitions to encourage spontaneity and creativity, and improvisation exercises that invited dancers to tap into their own artistic expression.
Gomez said the focus was on fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, something he felt was achieved judging by the turnout and the energy shared.
“I am absolutely thrilled with the turnout as we attracted over 100 dancers who attended, exceeded our expectations by a significant margin. It was truly a wonderful experience to see so many passionate dancers come together to learn and grow. I am grateful for the enthusiasm and energy of the participants, and I’m already receiving requests for future sessions.
“The turnout was a testament to the power of community and the desire for artistic expression. I feel proud of myself that I managed to facilitate a four-hour workshop in front of almost 100 dancers and kept them captivated. I would like to give special thanks to my mentors, Vusa Mkhaya and Timothy Mlalazi, for their immediate support. Their encouragement meant a lot to me, and I’m grateful for their contribution to the success of the workshop,” said Gomez.
Beyond the success of the event, Gomez said that as the year progresses, he is committed to visiting different local schools to facilitate workshops for students on the dangers and consequences of drug abuse and child marriage.
