GIVEN the current economic woes the country is facing, many youths have become hopeless, as the environment becomes unbearably unfavourable for their growth and development — while spaces for opportunities have dwindled — dancer, Chaleen Chimara, says.
She is using dancing as a way to breathe hope into the youths.
Chimara, was born and grew up in Harare’s high density suburb of Mbare, but is now based in Chitungwiza — believes dancing can heal the young generation that is witnessing a bleak future in an uninspiring society.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, Chimara said she was giving dancing a platform to inspire women, the voiceless and the hopeless youth.
“My passion and love for the arts have driven me into a relationship with dance,” she explained.
“As a female dancer I want to inspire women and educate people through dance, to heal people who are broken, while giving voice to the voiceless. I also want to give new life to the young generation so that they stay away from drugs and as you can see the world we are living in, our children are damaged they have lost hope because of our society. Our children should be mended because they are broken; they need hope in our communities.”
Chimara, has more than a decade in the dancing industry and has performed in countries such as, South Africa, China, Senegal, Ivory Coast and others. She also has a dancing company called Chimara Dance Company.
Her aim is to create employment and tour the world exchanging culture through dancing.
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“With Chimara Dance Company I have performed at festivals and in several dance events, but I am yet to reach my goals. Our vision is to create work which will tour in other countries for cultural exchange. We also want to groom youths interested in dancing and pursue it as a career so that they can stop hanging around the streets abusing drugs,” said Chimara.
Chimara bemoaned the very little effort in the country to promote dancing as opposed to other arts sectors.
“The promotion of dance is quite worrisome, there isn't much being done to upgrade and promote dance to the highest level like in other arts sectors. The industry needs more local and international funders to prosper. Some fail to attend international contests because of the lack of finances and resources,” she told NewsDay Life & Style.
Chimara, however, pointed out that the dancing industry in Zimbabwe was growing and needed assistance.
“The dance industry is growing slowly, but with enough support it can reach greater heights, this is well highlighted by formations of dance groups in all provinces of Zimbabwe,” she added.
She is also a fashion model and a mbira player.
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