Mayibuye Performance Troupe connects communities

THE Mayibuye Performance Troupe is giving international students the chance to connect with the wider community through music and dance. Find out how you can get involved.

The Mayibuye Dance Troupe – a powerful tool for empowering individuals and promoting cultural awareness.

The Mayibuye Performance Troupe has been created by non-profit organization Mayibuye in partnership with the City of Melbourne in order to empower the youth of the city through music and dance.

Mayibuye (pronounced may-ee-boo-yeah) is an organisation that uses performing arts to create educational opportunities for young people.

The organization is conscious of the importance of dance in many cultures but understands that often, a community-based program such as the Mayibuye Performance Troupe is needed to channel the passion dance inspires.

Mayibuye chief executive Kumari Middleton hopes the creation of the dance troupe will be a powerful tool for empowering individuals and promoting cultural awareness.

“We hope the dance troupe will be a safe space to promote harmony and unity. We want to create young role models in the community,” she says.

“Dance is an amazing tool to bring people together across cultures. It’s great for a means of expression and building confidence. It’s an opportunity to bring together people who share similar passions.”

Members of the dance troupe will engage in weekly dance classes and choreography routines in conjunction with life skills training. The troupe will perform at concerts and festivals around Victoria and will have opportunities to attend Mayibuye’s youth conferences and multicultural camps.

International students between the ages of 17 and 25 are encouraged to join the troupe in order to connect with the wider community.

“It’ll provide an opportunity to be part of a bigger family in Melbourne and to build new friendships. It’s also a great opportunity to travel,” Ms Middleton says.

Joining the Mayibuye Performance Troupe is an opportunity to be part of a bigger family.

Rehearsals will be held every Tuesday from 5.30 to 8pm at the Melbourne Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St, opposite the Queen Victoria Market.

Registrations for the dance troupe will close on October 4. No prior dance experience is required.

To register, visit Mayibuye’s website. Email info@mayibuyesouthafrica.org for more information.