High cost and slow transit times mean that few packages are shipped to Zimbabwe. So it was a surprise when a box from Xiamen City, Fujian Province arrived at the AfriKera Arts Trust Hub. Inside were ballet shoes, costumes and mattress tapes, a donation to AfriKera’s current dance students from 2015-18 graduate Lovemore Gift Taona.
A good example for aspiring professionals, Lovemore is dancing professionally with the Ling Ling International Circus, teaching in dance studios and also the proud owner of his own clothing line GeeTee Movement, I sat down with my former English and Critical Analysis student to talk about his early steps in dance, professional life and giving back to the community.
Ticha
Ni Hao Lovemore! How have you been? When did you start working and living in China?
Lovemore
Good to hear from you sir! I came here in August 2019 and my first job is the one I have right now with Ling Ling. Other work opportunities required funding, which I could not get. Fortunately, I got the Ling ling gig, which is working out well.
Ticha
You seem to be aware of the opportunity you have with Ling Ling, as you experienced, your CV can match the job description, but if you aren’t funded, then they won’t take you. Also, last year you sent a shipment of dance equipment to the current crop of students. Why did you feel the need to give back?
Lovemore
About opportunities, yes, most dance jobs require funding, which was challenging. Regarding the appreciation gift, I used the freight guys to send ballet shoes, socks, tights and dance mat tape. Remembering the situation when I was a student, the difficulties and challenges, small things like not being able to get stuff easily: New ballet shoes, socks which get ripped quickly because of repetitive use. Another reason was appreciating where I came from, AfriKera made me who I am today, my skills and everything.
Ticha
This is touching. It’s one thing living locally and giving back, but it’s another being in a foreign country… I don’t know if you’re familiar with this saying “Out of sight, out of mind.” It shows how much you value the education AfriKera gave you and this rare quality of thinking about the next generation. Many people leave the program and say ‘I’ve done my three years now I’m going out into the working world.’ But you remembered while you were working and living abroad, plus who sends anything by freight knowadays? I certainly don’t! (laughs) I would like to understand you better: your childhood, how did you get into dance?
Lovemore
I grew up in an orphanage called SOS Children’s Home, while dancing throughout my time at Hermann Gmeiner Primary School (2001-2007) but when I got to secondary school Denmak College (2007-2012) I stopped. The system back home is “books, books, books.” I was still dancing here and there though, and got into Chipawo’s two year program- teaching children younger than me traditional dance. After completing the program, they couldn’t give us the certificate but gave us jobs.
After two years working at Chipawo 2012-2014 I felt I needed more knowledge of my craft. Then I heard about the AfriKera’s Dance Training Program auditions and was chosen. It was a tough beginning because my guardians did not view dance as a career:You are being disrespectful, refusing school, choosing something which has no future.
I had to be stubborn, I didn’t listen to them. They were shocked when they saw me performing at our showcases, amazed at what I could do. They started to support me till I graduated in 2018.
Ticha
Tell me a bit about the classes, which ones did you like, find challenging, difficult? Did you get along with your fellow students?
Lovemore
I liked ballet, contemporary, traditional and hip-hop. The difficult ones were theatre and anatomy, which was something else! But it really helped. There were also the ones which you didn’t appreciate as a student but benefit you in the longterm like Tai-Chi, which helps with focus.
I loved ballet to the point that Mrs Soukaina (AfriKera Director) let me go to the National Ballet to pass the Royal Academy of Dance RAD exams, I was being taught by Ms Faye Jackson(AfriKera ballet instructor), it was an intermediate class, did exams, which went well, I was left with three points to get a distinction and the results came out when I was here (China) and were sent along with the certificates via email.
On Yoga, no one really likes Yoga until you practice for a bit. It teaches you self-discipline. Yes, I had friends but once you graduate people don’t really keep in touch, during my time in the program I got along with everyone.
For the classes, we students tend to be choosy, “I like this one, not that one.” But we got to experience everything, and not all of it had to be perfect. Now we go backstage and see how things work, first aid and anatomy, you are using the body and understanding how it works.
It’s easier to work in the professional world because you have equipment. For example the stage directions, props and costumes, knowing your value as an artist too, terms & conditions plus contracts.
Ticha
In terms of the current students, if they want to become professional dancers. What must they do?
Lovemore
They have to grasp everything they are being given and research more. The outside world is not as easy as you think and plans don’t always work, have option a) option b). Being a good dancer comes from within, through passion and love. Doing something because you have nothing else to do and then dropping it later is a mistake a lot of people make. Commitment is key.
Ticha
Well said! Now in terms of yourself as a professional dancer how has it matured you and what is it teaching you?
Lovemore
I am still learning new things every time especially here there is a language barrier but you have to meet the director’s so some of the things are easier and some are more challenging because as a professional they have no limits on what they demand of you.
Ticha
A big challenge, but you are adapting by learning Mandarin for example. For the future where do you see yourself and what would you like to achieve?
Lovemore
Currently I have a clothing line, GeeTee Movement, inspired by dance pictures of myself, one of them is the logo. I’m working with Xtep China, our clothes are being sold in their stores as we speak, this is a side hustle that balances the financial side. Future plans, Recognition for it’s own sake doesn’t mean anything if you aren’t helping anyone or having an impact in society. I want to bring new ideas in the arts sector, help the new generation avoid the mistakes I made going through this whole journey.
Ticha
I know whatever direction you take with GeeTee it will serve others, which you understand makes an impact. You’re giving back, people will value you and appreciate you for what you bring. This has been a very inspiring discussion. I used to teach you, Now you are teaching me, I learn a lot from my students. This has inspired me as well in my life. I wish you all the best, thank you for sharing some time out of your working schedule and yes I’ll be following the progression of GeeTee and your career with a close and keen eye.
Lovemore
Thank you very much, I really had a good time sharing my experience, enjoy the rest of your day, it’s good evening here so goodnight, take care goodbye!
