South African dancer visits Sunshine Village
PHUKET: Ricardo Koopman, a dance director from Cape Town in South Africa, held free dance classes for orphan children at Sunshine Village Foundation in Koh Sirae, east of Phuket Town.
Friday 13 January 2012, 01:33PM
Mr Koopman spends his vacations in Phuket, and on this visit wanted to give back to the island.
“I have been teaching dance for 25 years to children aged 5 to 18, and I run two dance studios in South Africa under the name Ricardo’s Modern Dance Studio.
“I am delighted to give my time and skills to these wonderful children. I love working with children.”
Every Saturday for the last month he has spent two hours teaching around 40 children how to dance, even though many of the children can’t understand English.
“The children were very well behaved and very eager to learn. I taught them to develop listening skills and to understand how the art of dance can make a huge impact on their lives.
“I believe that dance can save your life,” he said.
“I am very grateful that I could share my knowledge with children at the foundation. I saw the most beautiful smiles followed by the most beautiful graceful arm movements and crazy leaps.
“I have also learned so much more about Thai culture and the language.
“I love working with these eager and beautiful children from Sunshine Village Foundation, and if I have a chance I will come again.
A big thank you to the staff at the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, who supported me with this project,” he added.
More info: www.ricardosdancestudio.co.za
