Dance for All

Dance for All (DFA) is a non-profit organization based in Athlone, Cape Town, that educates and empowers children in historically disadvantaged communities through dance. Students from the age of 5 years, up to young adults, can receive a high standard of training, free of charge, within the townships of Nyanga, Khayelitsha, and Delft. Through a variety of styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, African and Spanish dance, students are trained on technical skill, versatility, and discipline in preparation for a career in the performing arts. Established in 1991 by Philip Boyd, the dance classes began with a group of 34 students practicing ballet in a small classroom in the township of Gugulethu. To date, more than 50 graduates of DFA’s dance school are working professionally in the performing arts industry in South Africa and abroad. The programs have positively influenced the lives of more than 1800 students. They have provided a platform for children to experience and express joy, develop life skills, confidence, and provide the training ground for potential career opportunities.