Latest news with #Newtown-based
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
watch: Mjaivo Jaiva takes over the streets of Joburg
Celebrating International Dance Day with rhythm, unity, and joy. Hundreds of dancers took to the streets for International Dance Day celebration. Picture: Screenshot/Facebook Hundreds of dancers flooded the streets of Johannesburg this Friday, 16 May, for Mjaivo Jaiva, a celebration of International Dance Day. The Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP), in collaboration with Moving Into Dance (MID) and the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII), hosted the event starting at the Magistrate's Court in Main Street, Johannesburg. Although International Dance Day is officially marked on 29 April, the celebration was moved to line up with South Africa's public holidays, allowing for greater participation and public engagement. ALSO READ: WATCH: ULTRA South Africa celebrates 10 years of dance music Mjaivo Jaiva for International Dance Day More than 1 000 dancers, choreographed by the renowned MID team, turned the pavements into lively stages filled with joy, music and shared creativity. JICP CEO David van Niekerk said collaborations like these are crucial for transforming the city from the inside out. 'This is more than a dance event – it's a living, breathing example of what happens when culture, creative expression and community power intersect. This is Jozi showing the world what it's made of.' MID, a Newtown-based pioneer of Afro fusion and edudance since 1978, has trained hundreds of participants over the past weeks in a choreographed routine that speaks to identity, movement and inclusion. 'This is dance for everyone. Whether you know the choreography or just want to move your body, we invite you to join in – follow the rhythm, feel the vibe, or simply soak up the spirit of Mjaivo Jaiva,' said Nadia Virasamy, CEO of MID. MII, a non-profit educational hub in the inner city since 2007, brought its own cohort of students to join the performance. NOW READ: Not just 'Lazy, rich housewives'! Louise Volschenk claps back at Afrikaans critics on The Mommy Club
Powys County Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Emma Cook runs London Marathon to remember Amy Varley
When Emma Cook lined up for the London Marathon on Sunday morning, she had one person on her mind. Her best childhood friend Amy Varley was 23 when she died, leaving her one-year-old daughter behind. Emma, who's from Newtown, said Amy, or Sheila as she was known, was the "life and soul of every party" with her humour, pranks, smile and wicked laugh filling every room. By taking on the huge challenge of running the London Marathon, Emma wanted to keep Amy's memory alive and create something special by raising money for Rekindle, a charity based in Newtown that supports the mental health of local young people aged 16 to 25. She never imagined herself running a marathon but found the strength to tackle the 26.2-mile course after losing Amy to suicide in 2015. READ MORE | Two Powys mums tackle London Marathon for their amazing causes "I couldn't help or save Amy so if I can help at least one person by raising money for this charity, I would be very happy," Emma said. "There is a very big Amy shaped hole in me and all those who knew and loved her, and being the 10-year anniversary of her death, this year makes it even more special." She added: 'Running a marathon was something I always avoided — it never even crossed my mind. But when I heard about Rekindle's charity places, something just clicked. 'Amy was the life and soul of every room, but I knew she was struggling. If she had been able to access the right support, maybe she'd still be here.' Despite the scorching heat, knee pain, and sheer exhaustion, Emma powered through, encouraged by cheering crowds, family and friends, and the memory of Amy. READ MORE | Dad and best friends raise £1,000 in memory of much-loved Newtown young mum Amy Along the way, she spotted Amy's dad Joe and her own son, Ioan, giving her the emotional lift she needed to keep going. 'I had to walk parts of it, but I walked with purpose. I knew why I was doing it. I ran for Amy, and for every young person who thinks they're not enough. You are.' Emma's run has already raised vital awareness for Rekindle, a Newtown-based charity offering free counselling and support for young people in crisis in Mid Wales and the Shropshire borders. The charity is close to Emma's heart and continues to support young people across the region. 'Mental health doesn't always look how you expect. It can wear a smile. That's why we need organisations like Rekindle.'
