dyton mupawaenda
Trust Khosa
CHIVARAIDZE Primary School in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East, has been hailed for promoting Zimbabwean culture through traditional dance.
So popular is the group that it has been receiving invitations to perform at high-profile cultural events and wedding receptions.
Not only is the traditional dance group popular in the province, but it has also been performing at national events.
Last month, the 26-member group performed at Miss Universe Zimbabwe pageant held at Harare’s Hippodrome Auditorium.
It also performed at the Zimbabwe Military Academy recently.
This is a clear sign that the young dancers are well managed as they are not getting rewards for their excellence.
The group’s instructor and deputy headmaster, Nkosende Baloyi, trains the young creatives.
In an interview, Baloyi, who is also the group spokesperson, could not hide his elation following their triumph in traditional dance.
“I work with children aged between 10 and 14 in this group. We perform traditional dances like Mbende Jerusarema, which are popular here.
“I have been at the school since its inception, which is two years back,” said Baloyi, whose impact as a traditional dance trainer is strongly felt.
The trainer, who has a lot of faith in the group, insists the young dancers are in safe hands.
“The vision is to equip them in visual and performance arts.
“At the moment we are invited to perform at various cultural events and weddings.
“The group is also popular in our community,” he said.
Baloyi, who is determined to inspire children to value their cultural identity, has vowed not to compromise the children’s academics.
“One of the challenges our learners face is to strike a balance between academics and training sessions. To the parents discouraging their children to partake in traditional dance, it’s not like they are worshipping ancestors, but they can still pursue their religions,” he said.
Traditional dances are critical as they play major roles in young learners’ artistic development and boosting their confidence.
Some of the popular dances in Zimbabwe are Shangara, Dinhe, Mbakumba, Muhongoyo, Jerusarema, Amabhiza, Gule, Inquzu and Mhande among others. Traditional dance has also been hailed for upholding our cultural values, respect, and norms.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has also been at the forefront of promoting young dancers through various programmes like the Jikinya Dance Festival.
The festival, which showcases various traditional dances by primary school pupils from around the country, has been applauded for its promotional of culture.
Chivaraidze Primary School Traditional Dance Group is one of the outfits that has inspired other young creatives to fall in love with their roots.
Buoyed by supportive parents and guardians, the group is destined for stars, judging by their demands after being assembled.
Traditional dances have also been hailed for their role in promoting our cultural heritage.
It’s quite refreshing when young creatives in primary school are taking a leading role in promoting this movement.
Online Reporter