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Tawanda Matanhire : Cool Lifestyle Reporter
After putting up a world class performance last Friday and Saturday that left parents pondering on the future of the country’s arts industry at Reps Theatre in Belgravia, Dance Avenue is the group to look out for in the future of entertainment. Comprising of 35 members, Dance Avenue put up a remarkable act of the Lion King Story.The two shows at Reps Theatre on Friday and Saturday last weekend were almost full house after they were requested by the general public.
Dance Avenue opened its doors in Rolf Valley in 2014.
Prior to that, Michelle Nativel and Gwinyai “Airborne” Masangomai were a part of a Nama winning group, 8count, which was formed in 2012.
Dance Avenue director Nikki Kershaw said that the Lion King Story started as a fundraising music and dance project which combined Chisipite Junior and St John`s Prep schools.
“The Lion King Story was initially a much larger collaboration, a celebration of music and dance at St John’s Prep and Chisipite Junior as a school fundraiser,” Kershaw said.
“The event was intended to showcase the combined talent at the schools, and the Lion King musical was chosen as inspiration as it has appeal to the children and the wider audience,” Kershaw added.
Michelle and Airborne did the choreography, and Dance Avenue and 8th Avenue did the dance.
“Airborne & Michelle love what they do, performances like The Lion King Story, where they get to push boundaries, and create an incredible memorable experience for their dancers and audience alike, is what inspires them,” Kershaw said.
“It is their passion,” she added.
The Lion King Story was well choreographed and the whole act proved the country has vast talent given the opportunity and resources. From the outfits to the stage display it showed that the organisers did their homework.
Kershaw revealed that Dance Avenue were approached by the Africa Book of Records to put on the largest choreographed dance which was taught and performed at the event on the night, and the Record was achieved.
Michelle and Airborne are putting on a Young Performers’ Camp for the school holidays as there will be a Dance Avenue show towards the end of the year.
They travelled to Germany for the Urban Dance Camp where they are being taught and inspired by some of the world’s greatest choreographers and dancers.
There are big plans for expansion and for dance classes is set to be open so as to work on other acts. The dance group within Dance Avenue, 8th Avenue also has bigger plans for next year as they will be hosting more performances around in the country.
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