One-(wo)man band

Surprise! For someone who normally shies away from the spotlight, I have turned into a singing, dancing, Kudu horn-playing entertainer!

My journey to stardom started earlier this week, when we watched a performance by the “Happy Feet Dance Company.” This troupe, comprised of about 30 kids between the ages of 3-15, is an after school dance program in one of the nearby townships. Originally developed to keep the kids off the streets, the organization has built up quite the all-star cast. The children mirrored the style of dance and song common in the old mining towns of Johannesburg (hence the mining boots, suit, and hard hat that is their costume-see photo).

After their wonderful performances, we split into groups to mingle and learn some moves. Before we knew it, we were the ones on-stage, performing alongside these little stars! The whole afternoon was so much fun, and I have now built up an arsenal of new dance moves to break out on occasion. You have been warned…

We also went to a Xhosa restaurant later in the week where we had a taste of some amazing homemade Xhosa food. During the meal, instruments were brought out and we could learn to play. I happened to pick up the Kudu-horn (the Kudu is a large elk-like animal with really cool spiral antlers) that is played like a trumpet. It was so much fun to try, even if the New York philharmonic won’t be calling me anytime soon.

Yet, the real stars of the show can be found in the rural village of Ceres. We spent the day in a one-room church, observing as children were tested for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is a very prevalent issue throughout South Africa and especially in the wine-regions of the Western Cape where farm laborers were once paid in alcohol. This practice has been outlawed, but it has not stopped the pervasive alcohol abuse that exists among the communities. Many women drink throughout their pregnancies, causing growth and developmental defects in their unborn children. These kids face a host of challenges including mental retardation, social and behavioral issues, and a predisposition toward substance abuse later in life.

Our time in Ceres was also spent observing a focus group that is run by a non-profit organization. This group consisted of about ten women (and a few men) who voluntarily come on a regular basis to discuss everything from malnutrition, FAS, domestic violence, and alcoholism- all issues that they face daily. We happened to come on the last day of their focus sessions, when they were receiving their course completion certificates. The smile on their faces and the pride in their eyes as they boldly walked to the front of the room to receive their certificate amidst the wild applause was an Oscar-worthy performance!