Entertainment Reporter.
Veteran dance teacher, choreographer and actress, Nomsa Manaka, will be moving her dance studio to Funda Centre in Diepkloof from the Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown after it was irreparably vandalized in December of 2020. The studio that is named after its founder and principal dance instructor, Nomsa Manaka Dance Studio, since opening its doors in 2015, until recently, was regarded as one of the only few well-built professional dance studios in Soweto that provided cultural practitioners of other disciplines with a well-equipped rehearsal and practice space. The studio reflected Manaka’s life-long passion; teaching and promoting the importance of indigenous dances and rhythms of Southern Africa.
The studio has had to shut down and become non-operational since the damage. Out of letters and words of encouragement from mothers of children who were part of the dance classes, from aspiring dancers and the general public alike, Manaka was determined to reopen the dance studio again.
It was not until recently that Manaka secured a space for the studio, at the very place where her artistic roots were natured and her journey began: the iconic Funda Art Centre in Diepkloof.
It was here that the legendary dancer, choreographer, actress, mother and survivor of cancer became a pioneer, the first to introduce African dance styles to the township during the 80’sandto fuse the different dances from other African countries with South Africa’s contemporary township-pantsula-jive styles in the township, making her a household name, and since then Manaka has travelled the world performing to sold-out shows, choreographing unforgettable movements and inspiring a whole new generation of dancers.
“My greatest dream if anything is to see our children learning more about who we are and where we come from through our indigenous dances, and to make sure that all traditional dances and rhythms of South Africa are treated with and given the respect and dignity they deserve.” passionately shares Manaka, “and lastly, I would love to see the Nomsa Manaka Dance Studio become a space where everyone is welcomed, respective of race, colour, gender or nationality. I see the studio becoming a home where all cultures can belong, where people from all walks of life can share, learn, grow and inspire through music and dance.” She adds.
As the dance studio plans to move into Funda Centre by the 2nd of October, various fundamental resources are still needed before its doors can be opened. Nomsa and her team of dance instructors are appealing to South Africans to assist with donations and contributions towards the studio’s lack of facilities such as; mirrors, a dance floor, wooden ballet bars, a sound system, among others.
This move to Funda Centre is momentous for Manaka who fondly lauds the place for placing her name on the world map. This award-winning icon has an exciting programme of action kicking off on the 2nd of October with a children’s class, followed by a full dance class for older students on the 4th of October. Performances lined up include the children’s day performance on the 6th of November and lastly, a big dance collaboration concert to close off the year on the 11th of December 2021.