DFA PROGRAMMES
At DFA we pride ourselves on always striving to offer the highest possible quality training and to develop dancers who can hold their own on any stage in the world. We offer a wide range of programmes that each cater for the varying needs of about 1 400 dance students we train each year. Students range in age from five-year-old novices to young adults.
Training is free of charge, making dance instruction and career support accessible to everyone in the greater Cape Town and Rural regions.
The hard work and dedication of senior students come alive on stage through our InSPIRAtions Youth Company. Founded in honour of the late Prima Ballerina Assoluta Phyllis Spira, the company is focused on developing world-class dancers and providing them with much-needed performance experience.
We offer an annual calendar of performances.
THE DFA CENTRE
The DFA Centre is a dedicated dance training studio in Athlone, where advanced dance training is presented to 100 students. Dancers who show the required talent and aptitude are selected for training at the DFA Centre.
Our training objective is to improve technique and skill and to lay a foundation for students to follow a career in the performing arts.
We follow a holistic approach that enables both talent and personal development. Transport is provided to students.
The styles we train in include Ballet, African Fusion, Hip Hop, Flamenco, Tap, Contemporary Dance, Creative Movement, Drama, and Physical Theatre.
To find out more information or apply.
Have a look at what we do
THE OUTREACH PROGRAMMES
The DFA Cape Town and Rural Outreach Programmes bring quality dance training to children and youth who may otherwise not have the opportunity.
Dance training is offered free of charge on weekday afternoons in classrooms and community halls across participating areas.
Training is offered to children from 5 years old up to young adulthood and everyone is welcome regardless of ability, dance level or gender.
The DFA Rural Outreach Programme gives children and youth the opportunity to be in a safe and structured environment, where they can have fun and learn valuable skills.
The programme is also a springboard for talent development. Talented dancers from across the areas served are selected to join the more advanced DFA programmes.
DFA Cape Town Outreach
This programme is presented in Athlone, Bridgetown, Delft, Fish Hoek, Khayelitsha, Langa, Macassar and Nyanga. Outreach classes are also presented at the DFA Centre.
DFA Rural Outreach
This programme is presented in Barrydale, Grabouw, Klapmuts, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert, Riversdale, Simondium.
To find out more about the DFA Outreach Programmes.
Have a look at what we do
BRIDGING PROGRAMME
The DFA Bridging Programme offers full-time training aimed to ‘bridge the gap’ between being a student and a professional.
Advanced dancers, instructors, and choreographers are selected to join this programme to prepare them for professional careers.
To date 25 of our students have secured places in well-known dance companies such as Cape Town City Ballet, Jazzart Dance Theatre and Cape Academy of Performing Arts.
The programme caters for versatile male and female dancers, with previous dance training, between the ages of 18 and 23 years old.
Students receive individual guidance and assistance from DFA teachers, guest teachers and choreographers.
As versatility is essential in the performing arts industry, students receive training in a variety of disciplines, including Ballet, African Fusion, Hip Hop, Flamenco, Tap, Contemporary Dance, Contemporary Ballet, Drama, Physical Theatre, Choreography and Teacher Training.
Students in this programme can audition for the InSPIRAtions Youth Company, which offers abundant opportunities to build up performance experience.
To find out more information on the DFA Bridging Programme, click here.
To audition for our Bridging Programme
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INSPIRATIONS YOUTH COMPANY
The DFA InSPIRAtions Youth Company is a professionally directed dance company that works with advanced students to present performances.
The InSPIRAtions Youth Company showcases the talent and technical skills of dance students through a range of theatre productions and performance.
The company was founded in honour of our patron, the late Prima Ballerina Assoluta, Phyllis Spira and provides a platform for dancers to perform and pursue professional careers in the theatre.
The company’s vision is to provide quality performances that aid DFA’s sustainability. Talented dancers are selected from the DFA Centre and Bridging Programme.
To find out more information on the InSPIRAtions Youth Company.
Have a look at what we do
