Staff

Allison has been with DFA since 2008 during which time, other than teaching and choreographing on all the programmes, she headed DFA’s Studios@Aden, ran the DFA Bridging Programme since 2011 up until now, and acted as DFA’s event coordinator.

She was placed in the position as DFA Artistic Director since the beginning of 2016.
Allison also directs the InSPIRAtions Youth Company and runs the strategic partnerships including that of Government / Corporates / Training institutions and schools.

She is a UCT School of Dance (formerly UCT Ballet School) graduate, having completed Teacher’s Diploma – 3yr course (1989-1991) and her professional career as dancer & choreographer locally and abroad stems with destinations including Namibia, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, China Spain before settling in Cape Town. During this time she was a member of Union Dance Company directed by Sonwabo Masepe & Julie Lock Jazzart’s Dance Joint, Christopher Kindo’s Full Circle Dance Company, Sun International.

As a former dance educator at the WCED (Western Cape Education Department) including a WCED Arts Focus School as well as qualified ETDP SETA Assessor, she also works as a professional dancer, producer and director in the entertainment industry with dancers, singers and musicians in and around Cape Town.

2019 Allison marks 30 years in her career in the industry.

Allison Hendricks – Executive Artistic Director

Marlene has been Dance for All’s Company Directorr since its inception and also serves as the secretary of the board. Prior to this, she worked as PA to Amanda Botha, head of PR at Artscape Opera (formerly known as CAPAB Opera), during which time she typed the manuscript for Botha’s book Phyllis Spira: A Tribute. She moved on to Cape Town City Ballet (formerly CAPAB Ballet) as secretary and later as Company Manager until 2001, while she orchestrated the administration for the fledgling outreach programme, which eventually became Dance for All.

Marlene Carstens – Operations Director

Ambia Andrews – Intern

Anderson Carvalho – Guest Teacher

Andisiwe started her dance training on DFA’s Outreach Programme in Nyanga after which she joined DFA’s Specialised Ballet Programme and DFA’s Bridging Programme. She is currently an assistant teacher at DFA.

Andisiwe Dyantyi – Teacher

Dance training at Jazzart Dance Theatre. Business Management Course at the College of Cape Town. Freelanced at Free Flight Dance Company and Jazzart Dance Company. Specializing in African and Modern Dance.

Bruno Wani – Teacher

A founding student of DFA, Hope Nongqongqo began her dance training with Janette Buys in Gugulethu and continued with DFA under the leadership of Philip Boyd, teaching alongside him. She was assisted by The David Poole trust and completed a Diploma in Dance Teachers Course at UCT School of Dance. Hope returned to DFA as a full-time teacher, choreographer and drummer. In 2013 she was promoted to Outreach Manager.

Hope Nongqongqo – Area Manager

Matriculated in 2017. Training receptionist.

Kirsty Aploon – Receptionist

Leroy Samuels – Teacher

Luyanda Mdingi – Teacher

A founding student of DFA, Mantombi started her dance training with DFA in Gugulethu and attended the UCT School of Dance on a bursary from The David Poole Trust where she did the Contemporary and African dance course. After working with iKapa Dance Theatre Outreach Project for a short while, she returned to DFA, where she is currently a full-time teacher, choreographer and drummer.

Mantombi “Lorraine” Ndindwa – Teacher

Graduate in BA Graphic Design majoring in Advertising. Formerly employed at Nashua and Design team at Leatt,

Michelle Louw – Marketing & Design

Moeneeb is one of DFA’s drivers transporting our students and staff to venues for dance classes, rehearsals, performances and events.

Moeneeb Meyer – Driver

Nobuntu started her dance training on DFA’s Outreach Programme in Nyanga and teaches on the Outreach Programme.

Nobuntu Nqolase – Teacher & Drummer

Cynthia is DFA’s housekeeper maintaining the internal condition of the DFA Centre

Nomthandazo Cynthia Ndindwa – Housekeepig

Robin Van Wyk – Teacher

Simone Williams – Office Assistant

Yaseen Manuel – Teacher

Gillian Warren-Brown is a South African writer who enjoys telling stories, be they about her own adventures after moving from Cape Town to a farm in the mountains of the Eastern Cape, or about fascinating subjects, people, places and things. She has written for many local and foreign magazines and has authored two books. Her most recent, Pieces of a Dream: the story of Dance for All focuses on how dance is giving disadvantaged children a chance to create a better life. Order a copy via or services page (proceeds go towards supporting the ongoing work of Dance for All).

Gillian Warren-Brown – Copywriter

Oscar O’ Ryan – Photographer

The original practice, which was mainly sports orientated, was started in the 60’s in rented premises also situated in Rondebosch. Numerous schools, the University of Cape Town, WP rugby and cricket players, as well as the UCT Ballet School and the Cape Town City Ballet Company, were all serviced by the practice. After working for 7 years at the Red Cross Children’s hospital, Robyn joined the practice and in 1992, became the new owner. She relocated the practice from the rented premises to a semi-detached cottage in Rondebosch, where she has been practicing ever since

Robyn Thyssee – Physiotherapist