Inspiring 350 teenagers – each one teach one

Vocalist Lion King Calvin Grandling workshop copy 1

Vocalists Lion King Calvin Grandling workshop

 

It was a privilege for the SOS Charity Fund, an initiative by DWR Distribution, to support the two-day Inspired2Unite Mega Masterclass Bootcamp, hosted at the GrandWest casino on 2 and 3 July 2018 where over 350 teens were mentored and attended a programme presented by industry professionals.

Selfie time 2018 copy

Selfie time

 

Karen Burt of Planet Productions and Gavin Taylor, Group Technical Events and Entertainment Manager of GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, founded Inspired Stages in 2014.  It’s easy enough to start a project, but these two have not backed down, and there latest Bootcamp had the aim of preparing youngsters for both the stage and for life. “The jam-packed days ultimately worked on building self-esteem, self-belief and self-worth to survive both on and off stage,” said Karen.

Dancers at Matthew Power Hip Hop workshop copy

Dancers at Matthew Power Hip Hop workshop

 

A counselling and mentorship project saw girls and guys over the age of 19, who themselves had been through the Inspired Stages programme over the years, now reach out to display leadership and role model qualities to those attending the bootcamp. SOS’s donation of R10 000 was given to these volunteers.

Dancers contemporary workshop with Byron Classen copy

Dancers contemporary workshop with Byron Classen

 

Workshops were presented by special guests and artists in South Africa. The list, amongst others, included Rudi Smit, international Jazz Funk / Hip Hop choreographer and dancer from Cape Town, talented pianist Garth Tavares, performer Sophia Vorster, Cape Flats saxophonist, Donveno Prins, life coach Tarryn Tomlinson, Signature SA and many others.

Dancers at Lee Pied jazz workshop copy

Dancers at Lee Pied jazz workshop

 

In typically Inspired Stages style, the programme was a combination of transformational life coaching and life lessons, alongside performance masterclass workshops in music, vocals and dance.

DWR has been involved with the project since its inception, and it was great to reach out with the SOS this year. “Thank you to Karen and Gavin for involving us and enabling us to give back,” said Duncan Riley of DWR.