A multifaceted dance group comprising boys and girls, House of Groovey, prides itself in nurturing talented young dancers who are unbelievably talented in most dance genres, including cultural, sbhujwa, amapiano and contemporary dance routines.
Founded in January by a 23-year-old DJ Neymar Mathinhe, this platform has managed to keep some youngsters off the streets of Msogwaba and away from negative peer pressure, and gathered them up to enhance their creative skills.
Mathinhe said 13 children aged 10 make up the group. They perform at weddings, birthday parties and other events around Pienaar.
“The aim of forming a dance group is to give these children an extracurricular activity to keep themselves occupied after school and on holidays. Pienaar is a place filled with social ills that corrupt young people. This group aims to keep them away and teach them to strive for a better future,” Mathinhe said.
“We hope to gain exposure to perform on big stages and events. That is every dancer’s dream; to see themselves travelling the world and be seen on TV, showcasing their talent and passion.”
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The group’s manager, Bobo Thabotha, said the group has become a meaningful platform for the children. The group is coached by Mathinhe and dance enthusiasts Olwethu Nhleko and Nombuso Dhludhlu.
@lowvelder #The energetic and talented dancers of the House of Groovey dance group break down some moves at an event in Pienaar. These youngsters joined the group as an extracurricular activity to keep themselves occupied with something they enjoy. > Video: Supplied/Bobo Thabotha #dancers
“Most of these children are raised by single parents and they cannot afford to enrol them in art schools. They don’t have much at their homes. Being part of this group allows them to have something of their own. The group is a safe space for these children to entertainment themselves while they are being taught something valuable,” she said.
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“The group is funded from our pockets. Getting more paying gigs will allow us to get attire and resources for the group, while the children also get to take some money to their parents or guardians, which will definitely go a long way.”
Mpumalanga News
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