Recently seen giving a fine performance in the Flatfoot Dance Company’s production of Bhambayi Dreaming (see review on this website), Mbongiseni Patrick Buthelezi (19) has been accepted into the renowned Laban School for Dance and Movement Therapy in London. For the University of Natal’s drama and performance studies student this achievement is a major honour. Not only is competition fierce but he has been accepted “sight unseen”.

Patrick was born in Ulundi where he received his primary education before moving to the Inkamana High School in Vryheid. He was always a top student, despite the fact that his father left school after Standard Two and his mother is illiterate. As well as his mother tongue of isiZulu, he has an impeccable command of English, a knowledge of Afrikaans and German and he is currently studying Italian! Patrick searched for the Laban Centre on the Internet, found the address and e-mailed them for information and application forms. Initially, he was accepted for a year’s study from September for a professional diploma in dance studies. However, this proved insufficient time for Patrick to raise the funds for his airfare, accommodation and tuition. Having asked for an extension, he is now due to enrol in September next year.

He is considered by his movement lecturer Lliane Loots as “an excellent student both academically and practically with unlimited potential as a performer. He approaches his performance with deep commitment and focus.” Representing Flatfoot Dance Company, Lliane Loots with Patrick Buthelezi and Garth Naudé have been invited to perform at the International Theatre School Festival in Amsterdam in June. They will be the only South African theatre school representatives.

Patrick needs to raise in the region of R10 000 and any sponsors out there looking for a worthy project should contact Lliane Loots on (031) 260-1142 or Patrick himself on 083 959-1118.