The crew that wants to change the stigma attached to the Cape Flats and create hope, Devolution Dance Crew, is about to make their mark on the world stage in Dubai.
Representing South Africa at the Global Dance Supreme competition, this powerhouse talent was born in the heart of Tafelsig in Mitchells Plain, a community often misunderstood.
What began as a local, community-based initiative has grown into a mega crew of 17 dancers, ranging from 14 to 35 years old, all united by their passion for dance and their commitment to breaking boundaries.
“We don’t charge to teach,” Shamieg George, 32, the head choreographer, said.
“We want to give back to the community, to create a space where anyone, regardless of their financial situation, can come and learn.”
Devolution’s ethos is rooted in inclusivity.
The crew is a diverse mix of married couples, single mothers, students, and youth from across Cape Town — Delft, Muizenberg, Mitchells Plain, and Kensington.
“We look past each other’s challenges, where we come from, and see each other as family,” George added.
Their dance style reflects their unity.
“We incorporate urban, new school, locking, popping, drum and bass, and the foundation of breaking into our routines,” George explained.
But it’s not just about flashy moves. “Musicality plays a big part in our style,” he said. “We focus on groove, expression, and explaining the music through our movements. It’s about feeling the music and telling its story through dance.”
after competing in various local competitions, Devolution has gained respect for their raw talent and creativity. But when they received the news in early January that they’d been chosen to represent South Africa in Dubai between 6 and 14 July, it took their dream to a whole new level.
“It was unreal,” George said. “We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and now it’s here. “We are speaking in faith and saying we are going to Dubai to show the world what we’ve got.”
The road to Dubai, however, hasn’t been smooth sailing. With time, energy, and finances stretched thin, the crew has had to dig deep to make their dream a reality.
"It takes a lot of energy, physically and financially," George admitted. "We train at a community centre with no mirrors or wooden floors, but that doesn’t stop us. We just keep going." Despite these obstacles, their resolve has only grown stronger.
For Devolution, representing South Africa isn’t just about winning; it’s about using this platform to shatter perceptions and inspire change. “We want to show the world where we come from and what we represent,” George said.
“It’s about breaking the stigma. People have certain ideas about our community, but we want to show them that we’re capable of greatness.”
The crew hopes their success will ignite hope in their community, especially among the youth.
“We want to show them that no dream is too big,” George said. “We hope this opens doors, that one day our kids will see themselves on TV, on the radio, and in the spotlight.”
Their goal? To place in the competition and make South Africa proud. “We want to make South Africa known,” George added.
“We want to make our communities known.”
With the costs of visas and passports adding up, Devolution isn’t relying on luck—they’re hosting fundraisers and working tirelessly to make it happen. “Nothing comes for free,” George said.
The crew however needs help with funding for the travelling and accommodation fees.
“We know it's a long shot but I believe this is our time, for long we just made it past group rounds, now we are actual qualifiers, chosen to represent our nation, so we’re going to make this work.”
If anyone wants to help the crew, they can contact Cindy Lee Jacobs, the groups administrator on +27 74 433 2490.