Street dancers aim to keep feet busy

Talented Eastridge dancers are putting their moves to good use in keeping youth off the streets and taking part in competitions.

Catline Dance Crew, which includes youth aged between 8 and 18, was started by choreographer and dance coach Muneer Dirks about six-months ago.

Mr Dirks said, the youth used to chill together until they started moving to music and put moves together.

They perform hip hop, amapiano and Gqom. The community got to know they after a TikTok video of their talent went viral on social media.

“We are just taking anyone who wants to dance from the street,” he said.

He said there was a bit of a waiting list and that dancers had to be consistent.

“We want to create safe space for young people to gather and not join gangs,” he said.

“I know what dance did for me and I just want to share that with other children,” he said.

Crew captain Sidney Andrews, 13, said he enjoyed being part of the crew.

“I like being a part of something with all of my friends and competing in competitions,” he said.

They have participated in local community dance-offs but would like to take it a step further by performing outside of Mitchell’s Plain.

Dancer Logan Whiting, 18, said they practise everyday.

“I just want us to work harder and to reach for our goals,” she said.

Mr Dirks is also part of a beat box group in connecting dance and music to create a work of art.