THE creative industries are the future, and Namibia would do well to get with the programme, says South Africa’s Dance School Sports League (DSSL) co-founder Craig Bullock.
In short, mainstream professions are no longer the driving force for economic prosperity. Instead, it is previously under-appreciated activities such as sports and the performing arts that are growing in importance to leading economies of many countries as they provide employment to multitudes.
“Please, government, get involved with the youth. We need you. We need your support to realise our dreams,” Bullock said yesterday during the opening of an International Dance Organisation (IDO) workshop arranged by Dance Sport Namibia in Windhoek.
Along with IDO Africa ambassador Kirsten Dan Jensen from Denmark, Bullock will oversee the two-day seminar on capacity and skills development at the National Theatre of Namibia.
Using successful Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and renowned Scottish DJ, singer, songwriter and record producer Calvin Harris as reference points, Bullock highlighted the need for Namibia to align her economic ambitions with modern consumers – the majority of whom fall in the youth category.
Other than sports, careers in creative advertising; architecture; the arts and antiques market; crafts; design; designer fashion; film and video; interactive leisure software; music; the performing arts; publishing; software and computer games; and television and radio are the trending professions.
“The future is changing. The world is changing for our youth. Previous career paths like becoming a doctor or lawyer are no longer the most lucrative career options. We have youth of immense creative ability, and we have the opportunity to help them make their mark. The top earners in this day and age like Ronaldo and Harris are sports people and entertainers. It is important that we do not overlook these skills,” advised Bullock.
“Dancing is no longer just a leisure activity. There are endless job opportunities around the world through dance. This is why we need to encourage the youth to explore their skills set.
Through the DanceSport SA-endorsed DSSL initiative, dance is recognised as a sporting discipline in the South African school system, Bullock explained.
This is a stepping stone into the lucrative world of generating and commercialising creativity, ideas, knowledge and information.
Additionally, through the DSSL, students have the opportunity to obtain school colours, regional colours and eventually to be part of an official national dance team which can compete at the Olympics and other international events.
In fact, breakdancing will debut at the 2018 Olympic Youth Games, which take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina between 6 and 18 October.
Bullock said the plan is to mirror the development blueprint of teh cricket, rugby, netball and hockey sports codes in which South Africa are ranked among the top five countries globally.
“I do not want to come across as self-centred, but there is a reason we [South Africa] are performing at such a high level in those codes. There is a structure. It is because we have started in schools. We start at the grassroots there. The modus is to impact them at an early age,” explained Bullock.
Deputy sports minister Agnes Tjongarero said she recognised the need for Namibia to stay relevant, adding that government was open to exploring new horizons.
“It will be a great day when dance can be recognised as an Olympic sport code in Namibia. The benefits of dancing or sports in general are endless. Be advocates for a healthy nation by spreading the message. Government can not do it alone, but we are committed to the prosperity of our youth,” said Tjongarero.
Equipped Dancing Academy dancer and choreographer Hillary Shiimi is excited about the future, saying “artistic” Namibians have long endured disdain in their communities for not joining the conventional job stream.
Being able to express oneself and make a living from it evokes a priceless feeling, she noted.
“A dancer is a happy person. For many years, we have been told dancing is nothing. But our talents and identities are hidden there. Finally we can say, we have the support of our elders,” Shiimi enthused.
“We are open to learning and showing the world what Namibia is about. The youth needs to know that you can make something of yourself through dancing and sports. We may have different abilities, but we can all contribute to our country productively,” she added.
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