Dance announcement: Dancers Love Dogs (DLD), back on stage, Cape Town, July 2023

The 2023 season of Dancers Love Dogs (DLD) will be on stage at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, from July 20-22. DLD is an NPO, which raises funds “for the sterilisation of dogs and other animals in need”. Its annual fundraising shows were put on pause because of the pandemic. The DLD 2023 season at the Baxter, includes two programmes, over four performances.  Alan Committie is host. The season will feature 580 dancers and around fifty teachers and choreographers. They are donating their time and talent in support of this important NPO.

The Baxter 2023 season of DLD, features varying dance genres – such as hip hop, ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre and contemporary dance. There will be creatives from dance schools and companies: LAMTA, Cape Town City Ballet, Zama Dance School, Figure of 8, Waterfront Theatre School, Jacqui Pells School of Ballet and Gadi Schor Dance Energy. Four legged guests will be on stage: Search-and-rescue dog Jedi, the SA Guide Dogs Association, and Mr. Miyagee in his ‘furcedes’. Participants in the studio show (July 20 and 22 July), include Dance for a Change, Debbie Lindup School of Ballet, Cape Junior Ballet and the Juanita Yazbek Dance Studio. Sea Point’s “famous and campest kugel”, Beryl Cohen (aka Lilly Slaptsilli) will also be a participant at DLD 2023.

DLD was launched in 2011 by Brigitte Reeve-Taylor. The dancer, teacher, choreographer and entrepreneur, was inspired to stage the show after rescuing an emaciated puppy.  From its inception, over R4 million has been raised and this has led to the sterilisation of around 20,000 animals in need (includes cats, pigs, rabbits and donkeys). DLD’s aim is “to establish sustainable spay-and-neuter programs in as many areas as possible, to combat the overpopulation of canines and felines which often leads to abandonment and neglect.”

DLD is a non-governmental organization (NGO) and public benefit organization (PBO) and the annual theatre event is key to its success in carrying out its mandate. Each ticket (R350), covers the cost of sterilisation. This is a reduced rate, offered by veterinarians who support DLD. The DLD contingent works closely with the National Sterilization Project, on a national scale and is able to reach remote areas, around South Africa. In recognition of her passion, philanthropy and commitment to animal welfare in SA (which extends abroad, to Los Angeles), in 2016, Reeve-Taylor was honoured as Glamour magazine’s Woman of the Year. She is an ambassador for the Animal Welfare Society in Philippi.

Dancers Love Dogs shows, will be presented in Durban in October and after that, in Johannesburg.

✳This post has been placed as part of TheCapeRobyn’s commitment to social cohesion, diversity and support for non-profit entities. If you would like to sponsor a post for a non-profit, please contact TheCapeRobyn. Featured image: Austin Tshikosi from LAMTA (Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy), in Camps Bay, is one of the dancers volunteering his time, for Dancers LOVE Dogs, July 20-22, 2023 ,at the Baxter Theatre, Cape Town. Pic: Ingrid Owens.