By: Dale Munatswa

City Celebration shared its method of captivating young hearts and channeling them in the right direction at the Durban Exhibition Center on Wednesday.

According to the founder of City Celebration, Jade Ribeiro, the Trust works with the young people of Durban to help them find a sense of belonging and dignity. The foundation formulates community and youth development programs,  using dance in a creative way to shape the next generation.

Rebeiro said that dance is a convenient means to overcome miscommunication between people who speak different languages and it can be used effectively to empower people of different ages.

“I think dance can appeal to every culture and every age. We are trying to use dance as a vehicle to teach life skills, moral values and to pull youths out of social ills,” said Rebeiro.

Lungelo Dakile who has been volunteering at the foundation said that the foundation has helped her grow as an artist.

Dakile said, “I have been learning as an actor, director and young person and I gain a lot of experience when I perform on big stages. As a learner you have to have the freedom to speak. I think Africans have lost their voice and dance can bring it back.”

The exhibition was one of a kind. It was filled with exciting activities performed by the members of City Celebrations.

A variety of dance groups and individuals representing the diverse cultures of Durban City kept the audiences hooked.

Jose Munsense, an exhibition attendant, said that he found the exhibition enjoyable and exiting.

“Everything was fun and exciting and everything went well,” said Munsense.