Mayfair pupils took to the stage this week, showing off their singing, dancing and acting talents to an audience of parents, community members and celebrities. Held at Bree Primary in Mayfair, the year-end concert was an opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve learnt through the Tsogo Sun Arts Academy programme throughout the year, along with their own innate talents. Based on the rousing response from the audience, it’s clear that this is a programme that’s having the desired results, unleashing the potential of hundreds of less-privileged children in Diepsloot and Mayfair, Johannesburg.
Currently in its third year, Tsogo Sun’s Arts Academy forms part of the extra-curricular activities of 12 schools in the Diepsloot and Mayfair communities, teaching 480 students the basics of drama, dance, vocal training and voice projection, together with a structured life skills course that covers a broad spectrum of topics to empower the youngsters to make sound choices throughout their lives.
“Tsogo Sun’s focus on entertainment and theatre meant forming an Arts Academy for young people was a natural fit. The Arts Academy allows us to expose young school-goers to the world of arts, to identify the most talented young artists early on and to nurture their talent. The programme is aligned to government priorities to reintroduce extra-curricular activities back into schools and Tsogo Sun has worked closely with the Gauteng Department of Education in identifying schools and developing the programme,” explains Vusi Dlamini, Tsogo Sun’s Group HR Director of Tsogo Sun.
These and the many other children who have been hard at work honing their performance skills over the last nine months are hoping to have impressed the respected industry professionals who adjudicated the community concerts that took place in Diepsloot and Mayfair. There’s much at stake for these talented young people, with the top performers going on to perform at a community concert on 26 November at the Lyric Theatre, concluding with an awards ceremony in four categories, including the top high school, the top primary school, the best three individual performers, the most enthusiastic educator and the best performing facilitator.
Mayfair stars shine in arts academy concert
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