Dancers in nationwide crusade

By Mohalenyane Phakela

MASERU — The Lesotho Dance Sport Association (LEDASA) last month sent four coaches to Bo­tswana for a workshop aimed at equipping participants with the latest techniques and information on dance as a sport.

The seminar took place in Ga­borone from January 12-18 and was organised by the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF).

The LEDASA president, Mopeli Nthejane, this week said the work­shop could not have come at a bet­ter time for Lesotho.

“It has always been our dream to introduce dance, as a sport, throughout the country, which is why we were so happy to send our coaches to the workshop.

“We would want to dance by the book so we can compete beyond Af­rica. For instance, dance is a sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee, so there is no reason why Lesotho should not compete in big tournaments such as the Olympics.

“We are going to train our dancers and coaches based on the WDSF regulations, and the four trainers who took part in the Gaborone training are going to be instrumental in this ini­tiative, as well as spreading the sport to different parts of the coun­try.

“We believe this sport should not only be restricted to urban-dwell­ers but also be introduced to rural populations in order to broaden our selection-base.

“As LEDASA, we are very much grateful for the support we have been receiving from the Minister of Sports and the Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission,” Nthe­jane said.

Nthejane, however, lament­ed lack of sponsorship, which he said continues to hamper the sport.
“I wish we had more sponsors so we could grow our organisation and I also urge parents to encour­age their children to join us.

“Lesotho is one of the eight coun­tries that constitute the African Dance Sport Federation, but the sport is only practiced in southern Africa. It is the WDSF’s dream to engage all African countries, which is why it held last month’s workshop in Botswana.”

Recreation Commission,” Nthe­jane said.

Nthejane, however, lament­ed lack of sponsorship, which he said continues to hamper the sport.
“I wish we had more sponsors so we could grow our organisation and I also urge parents to encour­age their children to join us.

“Lesotho is one of the eight coun­tries that constitute the African Dance Sport Federation, but the sport is only practiced in southern Africa. It is the WDSF’s dream to engage all African countries, which is why it held last month’s workshop in Botswana.”