Xiluva Arts Academy is an art-based school that was established back in 2018 by two brilliant women, La-Portia Khoza and Nontsikelelo Mabaso.
Khoza has a degree in Musical Theatre whilst Mabaso possess a Drama degree.
They were both inspired to start their own academy by the skyrocketing unemployment rate around their communities which drastically affected them. “We were part of the unemployment statistics and knew we had to come up with a decisive plan. Even though our degrees set us apart, we decided to use our talents, skills, and experiences from our part-time jobs as teachers to establish Xiluva Arts Academy,” La-Portia revealed.
Khoza and Mabaso had to personally finance the school with the income they generated from their part-time jobs in order for it to be successful. “The success of our business also comes from my partner and I being positive people, we are hard workers, fighters and it’s easier when you know exactly what you want from life,” Nontsikelelo affirmed.
Like any other business, Xiluva Arts Academy has its fair shares of obstacles amid this worldwide pandemic we are facing. “COVID-19 has affected most of our contact classes we had to delay the start of our classes and introduce online classes which are not accessible to everyone hence some of our studios are based in community art centres,” The ladies explained. Xiluva Arts Academy offers broad courses such as Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Afro-Fusion, Creative Movement, and Drama.
Xiluva Arts Academy provides classes for children aged three (3) to eighteen (18) years of age and classes for adults aged nineteen (19) and beyond. If you worry about forgetting lines or choreographed routines do not be concerned, the teachers apply suitable techniques for every age group within the Academy. Each semester is divided into two parts, which gives the students enough time to practice and then showcase their work. The Academy can be found within three (3) locations: Daveyton, Hammaskraal, and Pretoria.
The name of the Academy emanates from the Tsonga language “We are two black women who are unique and creative in our different manner, and that concept makes a metaphorical flower which is known as ‘xiluva’ in Tsonga,” Khoza stated. You can reach Xiluva Arts Academy on Facebook @ Xiluva Productions and Instagram @ Xiluva_Productions.
The Xiluva Arts Academy lives by a beautiful vision that sought to make a difference in the world of art. Their vision consists of people retaining an advanced appreciation of the performing arts through tuition. La-Portia and Nontsikelelo love their jobs and want to make a difference in the art world by grooming one person at a time.
By Karabo Lekgwate
