DANCE-OFF AWAITS: Sipelu Traditional Dance Group at the OLAF 2023. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
DANCE-OFF AWAITS: Sipelu Traditional Dance Group at the OLAF 2023. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Dance battle set to light up OLAF 2024 MOVE! Edition

Michael Kayunde
As part of the 2024 Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF) MOVE! Edition, the streets of Windhoek are about to be electrified by an exciting dance battle on Saturday, 12 October, at Sifu Arena.

Known for its dynamic performances and cultural engagement, OLAF’s dance battle promises to showcase some of Namibia’s most talented dancers while fostering a sense of community through the power of movement.

This year’s dance battle will serve as the grand finale of the four-day festival, offering dancers a platform to showcase their skills and creativity in front of a live audience.

Participants will have the chance to compete for cash prizes – N$10 000 for first place, N$5 000 for second, and N$3 000 for third – while celebrating the rich diversity of dance styles across the city. The competition is open to all, making it a vibrant and inclusive event that welcomes dancers from every corner of Windhoek.

Movement and connection

Beyond the thrill of the contest, OLAF 2024 aims to create meaningful community engagement through dance.

Artistic director Stanley Mareka views the dance battle as a powerful opportunity for local dancers to connect with their audience while representing the energy and passion of Namibian youth.

"The dance battle is a space where dancers can express themselves and where the community can come together to witness and support local talent," Mareka said.

"It’s more than just a competition – it's a celebration of movement and connection."

The dance battle is free to attend, ensuring that all Namibians have the chance to experience this vibrant cultural event. With its emphasis on inclusivity, OLAF continues to make dance accessible to everyone, breaking down barriers and highlighting the unifying power of the arts.

Festival co-director Michelle Namases said: "The dance battle is an exciting way to bring people together and to celebrate what makes dance so special – its ability to connect people across different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. OLAF MOVE! Edition is about more than performances; it’s about building a community through the arts."

The dance battle will cap off four days of incredible performances, workshops and installations. The entire festival, which runs from 9 to 12 October, is free and open to the public, with 14 dance showcases happening across 17 public sites. The dance battle, in particular, promises to be a dynamic and unforgettable event for dancers and spectators alike.

The thrilling dance battle will leave Windhoek buzzing with the energy of creativity, passion and the cultural heartbeat of the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this celebration of movement and community on Saturday, 12 October at Sifu Arena.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-23

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