“Dance, dance until you are free from all the struggles and become liberated by dancing yourself into freedom of all the past hurts and challenges.”
These are the words of Ricardo Koopman who has been teaching dance to children from disadvantaged communities for more than 30 years. Mr Koopman, originally from Hout Bay, studied dance at the University of Cape Town and is now a choreographer, dance director, teacher and dance adjudicator based in Sea Point. He said he’s always been passionate about dance and he realised that it’s a gift that has to be shared with everyone.
Mr Koopman’s modern dance studio recently entered the Cape Town Eisteddfod and won in two categories in the group section.
He said he wants his students to be persons of distinction and “eminent personality” and added that he believes greatness comes to those who are determined to be unique. “Do not imitate others because imitation leads to limitation. Be original. If you follow the crowd the crowd will not follow you. Heroes march alone, be your unique self,” he said.
Ricardo wants to reach out to more underprivileged children and has appealed to businesses to adopt children and fund their dance classes and exams.
He believes many children want to dance but the families do not have means.
If you can help, call 072 100 7170.
