The local kids dance competition series Pop Up Party is back on Cartoon Network (DStv 301) and has moved to Cape Town for a second season starting on Monday 7 January at 15:40.
The second season of Pop Up Party will feature 16 talented kids from different backgrounds in Cape Town - Khayelitsha, Fish Hoek, Milnerton and beyond - competing through dance and movement in scenic locations ranging from the Khayelitsha streets to the Bo-Kaap's quirky architecture.
In each episode the kids take part in a random music challenge with the kids inventing a dance to a randomly selected piece of specifically composed local music which they have never heard before and chosen by the DJ.
The kids then compete in a random dance challenge - which uses themes drawn from a pot such as the Dino Challenge, Vosho Challenge, Bollywood Challenge and DVD Challenge where they have to "fast forward", "rewind", "pause" and "play".
"The launch of the second season of Pop Up Party as our latest African production will be a huge Cartoon Network summer event, with fresh content spread on-air and on all our digital platforms," says Ariane Suveg, programming director and head of kids content for Africa.
"The show is essentially about creating spontaneous moments of fun and creativity, through music and dance. We have seen amazing energy and talent this season and are so excited to share this explosive live party with our Cartoon Network audience".
Mthuthuzeli "Stoan" Galela, a self-taught dancer, now turned choreographer and founder of United Township Dancers, who helped the kids – most of whom are his protégés from underprivileged backgrounds in and around Khayelitsha - says that as a dance teacher, he uses dance to work on the kids' self-esteem.
"Pop Up Party has been a great confidence boost for these kids," says Mthuthuzeli "Stoan" Galela. "Dance is a powerful tool for kids to discover themselves and it is awesome to see them come alive on the dance floor doing what they love best!"