Zama "Try" Dance School

Through the medium of dance and specifically classical ballet, Zama Dance School aims to develop young dancers, choreographers, and teachers by equipping them with a sense of pride, self-discipline, and achievement. Founded in 1990 in Gugulethu township, Cape Town, Zama or, “Try” in isiXhosa seeks to improve at-risk children’s lives by helping them create a spirit of happiness and a sense of self-worth.

Students attend ballet classes three times a week, work with both locally and internationally acclaimed choreographers, and are fed nutritious meals after class and rehearsals. Class tuition, dance clothes/shoes, and snacks are all sponsored by philanthropic organizations and individuals. At Zama Dance School, a sense of achievement is the product of self-discipline and self-respect, values instilled in each student. The school has about 100 current students between the ages of 6 to 16 years participating.