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Sophia Chese : Arts Correspondent
Prototypes Dance Group came up tops at Jibilika Dance Festival provincial competition HELD in Masvingo recently and will represent the province at the grand finale. Ike Wita and Dean Machingambi qualified as solo performers in the new school hip hop category whilst Ishmael Gambarami and Brandon Yusufu made it in the krump category.The event took place at Charles Austin Theatre and attracted four dance groups and 10 solo dancers who battled to win the ticket to represent the province at the national finals set for Mutare in August.
In an interview, Jibilika Dance Festival director Plot Mhako said he was happy with the response they got in Masvingo and decided to hold the next finals in Masvingo in appreciation of the support.
“Jibilika Dance Festival 2016 started last Saturday in Masvingo with the provincial preliminary and we will be moving to all other provinces,
“We are excited that everything went according to plan and this was made possible through smart partnerships with local community arts organisations, venues and pure determination.
“Masvingo Arts and Theatre Club assisted us and we really appreciate it.
“We have since decided to take the 2017 National Finals to Masvingo as the province has displayed great appreciation and talent over the years.
“Our next preliminary is set for Gweru on April 16 and groups have already started registering, “he said.
The provincial preliminaries will run through to June in all the country’s 10 provinces.
Mhako highlighted that the festival is open to dancers from all walks of life
“Young urban/contemporary dance companies, choreographers and dancers from around Zimbabwe are requested to submit concepts or material for completed works for a 15-20 minute dance theatre piece which is new, original, imaginative, unique and which displays unusual achievement.
“The festival will select the best three shows or concepts for the inaugural dance theatre programme within this year’s festival,” he said.
Jibilika is Zimbabwe’s premier annual youth dance festival which celebrates both urban and cultural dances and runs in competition format. It is run by the Jibilika Dance Trust.
The Festival will encompass mentorship on a wide range of youth-related issues in various communities, exhibitions and performances.
Each year the festival assumes a new theme which guides the content and outcome.
Before the national finals, a series of provincial preliminaries which act as the selection or audition process are conducted.
Finalists at each provincial final then qualify for the grand finale which is held between August and November.
Online Reporter