Robert Klah calls for government support for Dance industry
The CEO of Dancetera, organisers of the Ghana Dance Festival, Robert Klah, has issued a passionate plea to the government to provide more support for the dance industry.
Klah, who has been a driving force in promoting Ghanaian culture through dance, believes that government backing is essential for the growth and development of the industry. ( Read Pay dancers what they deserve –Robert Klah tells event organisers and musicians)
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, he also stressed the need for support from key cultural and government institutions.
“Relevant government agencies such as the National Commission on Culture, Creative Arts Agency, National Theatre, etc. should support dance-related projects such as Ghana Dance Festival and Ghana Dance Industry Awards, among others.
“Also, the dance departments of academic institutions should be given the right support to ensure dancers excel. The business of dance is a key area of education that is missing.
“Dancers need to be empowered with the requisite knowledge on how to translate their passion into a profession. They need to learn to monetise their craft and make a decent living off it.”
He, however, challenged dancers to step up and be proactive about their development if they want to see long-term change.
“Dancers and dance institutions of this age must understand that what we don’t have will only be attained by us coming together and fighting for it.
“It is incumbent on dancers and dance institutions to create structures that will ensure growth and development of the industry, and make dance easier for future dancers,” he stated.
He finally added, “Let’s rectify this neglect and elevate the status of dancers in Ghana. Let us honour their integral role in our culture and give them the recognition and compensation they have always deserved. The time to act is now; together, we can weave dance back into the fabric of our national identity.”
