In keeping with our commitment to develop General Gymnastics in Namibia the committee organised a work-shop weekend in Swakopmund for gymnaestrada participants, from both coastal towns, in order to improve their skills and techniques. The main objective of this type of workshop is to maintain and/or to create interest in this form of leisure sport with a view to increasing the number of participants taking part in the annual Gymnaestrada.

The current group was divided into six sections - ethnic dancers, latin dancers, modern dancers, as well as artistic, aerobic and rhythmic gymnasts. Each section has its’ individual coach and/or choreographer.

The workshop started on Friday afternoon, making use of various venues, each coach concentrated on his/her individual groups and their individual form of movement, time was spent on the co-ordination of move-ments especially the use of arms to express and/or enhance the musical interpretation.

Saturday morning, gave each group a chance to spend time with group choreographer Hilli Horsthemke, who put the finishing touches to their performance and ensured uniformity. In the afternoon the groups came together to perform for each other and to practise as one unit. Co-ordinating each section into one mass display of 88 participants.

Despite the long hours of hard work throughout the weekend the group dispersed with the knowledge that each one of them is making a contribution and that the sport of gymnaestrada is there to be enjoyed.

The committee intends holding several workshops of a similar nature during the remainder of the year.

Workshop Management Team

Group Choreographer : Hilli Horsthemke

Modern Dance Choreographer : Michelle Bassingthwaighte

Gymnastic Coaches/ Choreographers : Coenie & Eunice Greeff

Aerobic Coaches : Marie Booysen & Danie Mostert

Music Co-ordinators: Ena Venter & Greta Holz

Administration: Lynne van der Walt