The Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre was enveloped in an electric atmosphere when it recently held its annual dance event. Among the participants were pupils from Hope School, a school for children living with disabilities in Westcliff. This year, the school was proudly represented by enthusiastic pupils, each with their unique abilities and energy. The moment they wheeled onto the dance floor, a wave of cheers erupted from the enthusiastic crowd, filling the room with infectious excitement.
The road to this unforgettable performance had been paved with months of dedicated preparation, staff member Moyahabo Pabola proudly shared. “All the hard work and dedication resulted in a fantastic performance.”
“Working with these incredible children is a constant source of inspiration and love. They each have their unique strengths and require special attention. Their resilience and appreciation of achievements make every day special,” said assistant teacher Kristen Dickenson.
Thendo Ntshimboni, a school assistant, said: “I left my job as a paramedic to join Hope School because of my love for these children. They are special and a true blessing, and I have so much fun and fulfillment working at the school.”
The event organisers were thrilled with the growth and excitement surrounding this year’s event.
Dance instructor Kallie Adams played a pivotal role in organising the event. He has also introduced weekly dance lessons at various early childhood development centres around Newclare.
On the day, the children were prepared to impress and were dressed formally in black trousers, white shirts, and charming bow ties for the boys, while the girls wore lovely white dresses and matching white shoes and looked like little angels.
Their ballroom dance moves were executed flawlessly under the guidance of Adams. The cherry on top was when Adams took to the dance floor with his partner. They were a sight to behold as their perfectly coordinated routine captured the hearts of everyone in the hall.
As Adams moved gracefully across the dance floor, the young ones watched with rapt attention, demonstrating an incredible level of concentration compared to the previous year. It was evident that these children were truly grasping the art of dance and loving every moment of it.
“The event was not just about dance; it was a powerful demonstration of teamwork and inclusivity. It showcased that under one roof, regardless of their capabilities, everyone could find a means of self-expression,” said Adams.
The participants who excelled were honoured with trophies, and the spectators responded with enthusiastic applause as each name was called. The smiles on the faces of the children as they received their trophies were heartwarming.
Everyone went home with hearts full of happiness and memories to cherish. It was undeniably a day well spent that celebrated boundless spirit of the children.
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06/10/2023