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WELCOME

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FRIENDS OF DANCE  IN ZIMBABWE click here to open and/or save this application form

The Dance Trust of Zimbabwe is the restructured institution resulting from the National Ballet, formed approximately fifty years ago by teachers and lovers of ballet. The name "National Ballet" was chosen because, at the time, it was possible for the institution to operate on a national level. The National Ballet was registered as a Welfare Organization in 1978. The original members of the National Ballet were dancers, teachers or persons who were interested in furthering the cause and course of ballet in Zimbabwe. The National Ballet members and 'The Friends of Ballet' were instrumental in raising the funds required to buy the land and build the Centre as it stands today.

National Ballet Premises

For more than 20 years, the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe (DTZ), formerly National Ballet of Zimbabwe, has successfully introduced dance in its various forms to Zimbabweans. The organisation has also implemented five Dance Foundation Course programs in which more than 50 youths have been trained in various forms of dance education among which are Ballet Technique, Contemporary and Traditional Dance disciplines and theory.

The National Ballet which is the amateur classical ballet company, strives to maintain a high standard of dance by encouraging its young members to reach their future potential. Dancers from the various studios are invited to audition once they reach a specified standard and, if accepted in to the company, get the opportunity to develop their dance education by being exposed to a variety of teachers and choreographers. The company also provides its members with the opportunity to perform in annual productions as well as hosting other productions that give ALL dancers an opportunity to perform.

A scene from the ballet "Giselle"

The first 7 Dance Foundation Course (DFC) graduates were used as the basis to form The Tumbuka Professional Dance Company and the remaining 8 were enrolled to commence the Outreach Teaching project.  "Tumbuka" is a Shona word which means to bloom or to flower. It was founded in 1992 and has developed a unique image over the years influencing dance not only in Zimbabwe but in Africa. It combines and integrates elements of traditional dance with contemporary idioms and movements using an eclectic selection of music (live or otherwise).

The last Dance Foundation Course (DFC) produced 12 very talented young performers, who sadly could not be absorbed into gainful employment within the DTZ. This was because of the downturn of the economy and the redirection of funds into human rights and feeding programs by the donor community. The institution is facing major challenges to source income and build a sizeable audience for performances. As a result, the required surplus income is not being generated to facilitate the absorption of these dancers into programmes such as the Tumbuka Dance Company and/or Outreach Programme as well as DFC, which should be the natural employers of these graduates. These programmes are faced with challenges mainly caused by the mass exodus of funding into other sectors. However, thanks to Africalia's positive response to the 2007 DTZ proposal, followed by the injection of funds by NORAD in 2008, there is currently a new intake of DFC students. The 3 year course started in July 2008 and will end in July 2011 and as such is a source of employment for many qualified local dance professionals. Out of the 50+ students trained to date some are presently employed in one of the three Dance Trust programmes, the rest are pursuing international careers in the United Kingdom, USA,
Sweden, Canada, Reunion, Malawi and Norway, while several others have started their own Dance projects and training Institutions locally.

From Left To Right - MacIntosh, Chido, Stanley, Alexio, Stephen, Tinashe, Robert, Bruce, Peter,  Charlene & Monalisa

The Dance Trust of Zimbabwe is embarking on various projects and expansion programs to create new opportunities and further expand the provision of dance products to reach new audiences in the school education system and social development programs in community centres, where dance will play a pivotal role of educating and entertaining.

The community Outreach component has remained and continues to be central to the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe as a very important and strategic arm and constituent of dance development in Zimbabwe.  From the outset, focus has been on primary school children and special needs institutions as an area where deprivation could be felt. But the reality of our present day society in Zimbabwe is that the majority of the civic society is struggling with the current economical, social and educational shortcomings being brought about by the encumbent political changes and challenges. Today's fast changing society requires a dynamic contemporary art form and practice that helps individuals and communities keep abreast of the changes that occur.  

Children from the Presbytarian Children's Club recieving the Certificate Of Participation in the 2009 Outreach Programme.
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Despite these challenges, the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe is committed and makes its mission to keep dance alive, growing and
accessible by providing programmes suitable for each section of the society.