UNIVERSITY of Namibia performing arts lecturer and Moon Goddess Dance Studio owner and choreographer Sascha Olivier-Sampson is no stranger to the world stage.
Having performed in South Africa, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland and earning international awards for her prowess in open, fusion and contemporary dance, Olivier-Sampson joins Namibia’s team of 19 performance artists destined to do the country proud at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles this July.
On her way to the States after the International Fine Arts Association World Dance Championships in Spain next month, Olivier-Sampson is hard at work raising funds for the collective and as an individual.
“Individually all of us are going about raising funds through sponsorships and donations, organising our own events and selling raffle tickets,” says Olivier-Sampson who annually raises thousands of dollars for the SPCA through her initiative Shimmy for Shelter. “As a team we have set fundraising events to help the whole team raise the funds needed to go to LA.”
Beginning with a bake sale last December, the team’s 2018 fundraising events will kick off with an open air screening of ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ at SKW on 17 February. Attendees are invited to bring their own picnic baskets and blankets and subsequently join the team on 3 March for the Team Namibia Performance Showcase at the Warehouse Theatre.
“Doing well in these competitions opens up the possibility of working in these fields internationally as there are industry professionals who look to these competitions to find talent,” says Olivier-Simpson regarding the importance of ensuring everyone selected has the means to attend and compete.
“It makes people realise that being in the arts and being a performer are actual career possibilities, and that for those who are willing to work hard and really put in the hours and dedication to working on your craft, opportunities are there. You just have to be committed and push yourself to be better.”
Not only an opportunity to showcase individual Namibian talent but also a week of workshops and boot camps offering guidance and training from renowned industry professionals, the championships are additionally an invaluable chance to have one’s craft appraised at an international level and even find work abroad.
“Besides all the benefits at the events themselves, the work done in preparation for these competitions builds you and makes you stronger,” says Olivier-Sampson. “You focus and work solely on improving yourself. This can only ever be beneficial and the growth you receive from working on yourself and your own development, challenging yourself and working towards an even greater goal is priceless.”
Urging anyone who has an interest in arts and culture and supports the growth and development of the arts in this country to donate and support team and individual fundraising initiatives, Olivier-Sampson hopes people will recognise the importance of giving everyone an opportunity to pursue their dreams and passions.
Asked who should support the team, Olivier-Sampson casts wide.
“Anyone who wishes to see Namibians standing on that world stage proving we have what it takes to stand alongside the best of them.”
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