Dance crew on a Dubai mission
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
They are a passionate dance crew with big dreams and bigger moves, and now their rhythmic prowess has earned them a chance to showcase their talent on an international stage.
The OTC Dance Crew, based in Kensington, qualified to take part in the World Supremacy Battleground Dubai Championship, an international dance competition that sees dancers from across the globe vying for the top spot
But to make this dream a reality, they need financial support
The group making the trip consists of nine dancers, each requiring R21 000 to attend the championship, which takes place from Monday 7 to 14 July
Jehaan Manan, secretary of the group, said it was established to provide young people with an alternative “We started in 2007 to get kids off the street And to create better opportunities for them, which will prevent them from getting involved with the wrong crowd To educate our dancers and to give them something to do to keep them occupied ”
The OTC Dance Crew consists of 18 dancers split into a junior and senior group Manan said last year the crew missed an opportunity to represent the country in Arizona, because they couldn’t raise the funds needed “This will be a dream come true for them, for they are excited and look forward to showcasing their talent ” Manan said this would be their first
trip abroad “We were in Johannesburg last year for another dance competition ” She said her son, Riyaan (22), is a founder of the crew and one of their coaches “People should see them in action Dance is a way for them to ex-
press themselves, whatever it is they are going through, and dance is their way of coping with it It allows them to showcase themselves and achieve a better life ”
The group held a fundraiser at the Dutch Reformed church in Factreton
on Friday 2 May, but was in desperate need of financial support to help reach their goal
“I am so proud of all of them,” Manan declared “I have been supporting my son since he founded the OTC Dance Crew I travel all over
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND SPONSORS ARE ASKED TO SPONSOR THE CREW’S TRIP.
with him, wherever they have competitions I love the fact that he is so passionate ”
Riyaan said dancing allows people to express themselves “The feeling of being on stage and performing and getting rid of stress and feeling as if the whole world disappears is what I love about dancing ”
He said the crew was looking forward to representing their community with pride, energy and rhythm
“It would mean the world All of our dancers are still young, ranging from age five to 18 It would mean a lot to represent not just the community but also their country Most of them started dancing just to perform, now they see it as a career ”
Riyaan said among the genres focused on are breakdancing, amapiano and hip hop
“Dancing teaches discipline Many of our pupils excel better academically ”
He appealed to local businesses and sponsors to support the crew
“We’re not just looking to make a name for ourselves, but our country too Through dance we enlighten and motivate young people to follow their dreams Any donation will be appreciated People can book us for events and support our fundraisers ”
To support the trip or know more about the OTC Dance Crew, contact Manan on 062 416 2766
The OTC Dance Crew, based in Kensington, qualified to take part in the World Supremacy Battleground Dubai Championship. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
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