Dance Evening (09-01-04)

On the 9th January, the South African group gathered at the InternationalSprachprogramme building for the Dance Evening presented by our friends and hosts; Barbara, Marion, and Stephan.

It is a widely held opinion that Africa is the home of rhythm and dancing. Therefore, it was with a touch of scepticism that the group approached an evening in which the intention was to teach us a thing or two on the dance floor. After all, what could Germans teach Africans, the polka perhaps?

However, I have to confess that the dances such as the cha-cha and the waltz had me battling at first. The ISP team were fantastic (as always), trying their best to show us how it is done. Some of the South Africans, especially Kgosi, Mandisa and Mawande and a few of the others turned out to be naturals, while the rest of us just kept up with the pace and got by. However, it seemed that as the evening progressed, the dance moves improved (I guess the old cliché is true, practise does make perfect). Sooner than later the German words used to ask someone to dance (Darf ich bitten) were
being uttered not only by the male members of the group, but also the female members.

After a few hours of waltzing (and many a bruised toe later), it was time for the South Africans to play some local music and show the Germans what it means to truly "get down"! Before long, the now famous strains of Shosholoza and the sounds of gumboot dancing filled the room and Unathi and Doc (Nomomde), put on an excellent display. It is clear that wherever 2 or more South Africans are gathered, the gees is sure to follow! Traditional South African music and vibes were followed by more modern kwaito and house sounds that had us all reminiscing about good times back home.

A good time was had by all and everyone left the ISP with huge smiles pasted on their faces. A special thank you to the wonderful ISP team for organising the dance evening and providing the snacks and beverages.

Report by Janine Jellars (University of Stellenbosch)