In response to the need for affordable dance training for talented aspirant professional dancers and for those wanting pursue careers in theatre, the DFA Bridging Programme was created in 2011 to bridge the gap between being a dance student and becoming a professional dancer. The Programme enables students who have studied dance from a young age to continue their training while awaiting audition opportunities. With the generous support of DFA’s funding partners, aspirant professional dancers hone their craft in classical ballet, Contemporary dance, Jazz, African Contemporary dance, Flamenco and Hip Hop while improving their skill, technique and stamina. Irrespective of students’ financial situation, they gain professional training and experience on the DFA Bridging Programme. Based at Dance for All’s Athlone studios, students attend classes, rehearsals, build their repertoire and gain experience in choreography. These advanced students’ training is intensified and the focus is on preparing them to follow professional careers in the arts. Bridging Programme students automatically become members of DFA’s non-professional InSPIRAtions Youth Company, enabling them the opportunity to gain performance experience. Since the inception of the DFA Bridging Programme, over 40 students who participated in the Programme, have gained tertiary qualifications and are working as dancers, dance teachers and choreographers in South Africa and internationally.

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