The Namibia Economist

Dance champion empowers youth

African Dance Champion Stanley Mareka has been chosen as the March winner of the Windhoek Lager Ambassador initiative. Stanley is Namibia’s own freestyle dancer, owner of a dance academy as well as a choreographer.
He has won a number of international awards such as best Best Kuduru Dancer, Best African Influential Dancer, Best Disciplined Choreographer of the Month, the Channel O Dance Champion in 2008 as well as East Germany Dance Champion in 2011.
Stanley is happy about the recognition as this means that all his hard work is paying off and that dance is also being recognised as having an impact and promotes Namibia beyond its borders.
He is motivated to achieve much more – not only for himself, but also for the dancers he trains at his academy.
Stanley said: “I know that my country is proud seeing that whatever I gain outside I share in the youth development and empowerment projects that I conduct.”
Stanley’s academy not only concentrates on teaching dancing but is involved in a number of outreach programmes and works together with various youth clubs to help the government reach Vision 2030 in terms of the youth development and empowerment programmes. These include for example the Shebeen Raiders Youth Club, EQ High 5 Potential Games Youth Club and Youth Take Action.
Stanley’s message to fellow Namibians is: “Be fully equipped in life and no matter what you have chosen - be euphoric about it and maintain the belief. Never ignore your culture, because it’s the only thing we have. Let us look after our talents and enjoy our blessings.”

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