The Dance | Lee-Ann Olwage

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The Dance

The Dance is a celebration of the South African youth who finish high school against all odds.

On the night of the matric dance (prom night) communities on the outskirts of Cape Town are buzzing with activity. Red carpets are rolled out while aunties decorate houses with organza fabric and tables are heavily laid with food for family (including everyone from your auntie to your auntie’s auntie) and friends to share. The street outside is filled with family, friends and community members. Excited kids run up and down the street as the sound of a sports car fills the air as it approaches the crowded house. A young woman, wearing a ball gown that reminds you of something a Disney princess will wear steps onto the red carpet and the community cheer with pride. Her date, who is anxiously waiting with a bunch of flowers, is wearing a beautifully tailored tuxedo which is perfectly colour coded to match her dress and complimented with the latest pair of sneakers as the perfect cool accessory. For one night they get to look like movie stars and are treated like royalty by their family. It’s only once you take a step back from the glamorous scene that you notice the stark contrast of the gritty environment that creates the background for the celebration that you begin to get a glimpse of the many challenges these students have had to overcome in order to finish high school.

For months leading up to the matric dance families save up to buy extravagant ball gowns, tuxedos and limousines to celebrate the big night. If a family is lucky enough to have a student graduate from high school no effort is spared to give them the night of their dreams. That is because for most families this might be the first family member to graduate from high school. A big achievement in communities where only around 30% — 50% of students manage to finish high school and where for previous generations the percentage was significantly less.