Established as part of Cape Town City Ballet's outreach program in April 2002, the Jikeleza Dance Project has experienced rapid growth and considerable success since inception.

Jikeleza (Xhosa for “pirouette” or “turn around”) teaches African dance, classical ballet, contemporary dance, Spanish Dance and Hip Hop to approximately 300 children in the historically disadvantaged communities of Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg Harbour community, Hout Bay.

The large number of children attending class indicates the pressing need for recreational facilities in these communities. Class attendance has more than doubled since the beginning of 2004, necessitating the employment of more teachers and increased administrative costs.

Jikeleza has rapidly gained a reputation for the enthusiastic energy and professionalism of its young dancers who performed at various prestigious events in 2009, namely performing at the FIFA fan fest in long street on 4 December 2009, by doing the opening performance as well as entertaining the VIP guests.

The project is currently responsible for the rehabilitation of approximately 36 street children in partnership with the City of Cape Town in an initiative called “Second Chance”