Naar Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur Venlo pagina

Venlo | 8 February 2023

Aletta Mkaouar-Smit: ‘Méér dan een uurtje dansles’

The Urban Dance Studio is an integral part of the Venlo urban scene. Founder Aletta Mkaouar-Smit launched the dance school in 2008. She's been dancing herself since she was young and can't imagine her life without it. She experiences every day how important it is for children to be able to participate. "They become part of something." 

I started with classical ballet, then took modern jazz and street dance classes. After that, I was asked to teach an hour a week at a youth center, and soon I was asked to teach in many more places. I then went to the ALO (Academic Education) to get a good grasp on the teaching side of things. There weren't any urban dance programs at the time, and that's exactly what I really wanted to do. Through various courses and programs at home and abroad, I honed my skills and started the Urban Dance Studio. That was fifteen years ago, but urban dance is still incredibly popular and even growing.  

Everyone is equal

In her youth work, Aletta saw how difficult certain situations can be for families. She makes an extra effort to help these families. At the Urban Dance Studio, a group of children takes classes with the support of the Youth Fund. "At least 50 of the 400 children," Aletta explains. "The option to use the Youth Fund is listed on our website and also on the registration form. Our target group is very broad and comes from all walks of life. But those differences disappear the moment they enter the school; then everyone is equal. Once a year, we have a big performance here at the theater, and we make sure that parents who have difficulty affording a ticket can also come and see their child. We invest a lot of time and energy in that." 

Social responsibility

Children don't just come for an hour of urban dance; it's much more than that. "We organize events, workshops, and performances, and we collaborate with various organizations in the region. So, the students visit many different places and participate in all sorts of initiatives. They find it becomes increasingly easier to get involved in certain projects. They realize it's not just an hour of dance class and feel like they belong somewhere. The children who dance with us through the Youth Fund are also in special selection classes and participate in national and international competitions; we simply ensure they can participate. I see that as my social responsibility." 

More poverty in the middle class

Aletta sees poverty growing, even among the middle class, who have been able to get by comfortably until now. “I see this new group struggling more and more to pay their dues. And when cuts have to be made, parents often first focus on 'extras' like children's clubs. We see that very clearly. Moreover, they're a very difficult group to reach because they have no contact with the agencies that can help. They don't know about the existence of intermediaries who can apply for them with the Youth Fund, and no one else needs to know about them. When I see parents on the brink, it's my job to start a conversation. I see a lot of shame, but the important thing is that the child can keep dancing.” 

Contacting the coordinator is a must!

The intermediaries aren't very visible, and that's a stumbling block, Aletta believes. "In neighborhoods and schools where poverty is high, it's very clear who parents should contact. But in neighborhoods and at schools where poverty is uncommon, it's very difficult for parents to ask for help. They don't know the way, and the barrier to entry is high. Schools themselves often don't know if there's an intermediary and who they are. It's something teachers do on the side. If it were a dedicated role, things would run more smoothly. Those intermediaries are also very difficult for me to reach. If I run into a problem, I call our coordinator here in Venlo. She has so much knowledge and is passionate about what she does. If I didn't have her, I'd be left with so many questions. The coordinator's role is so important. Contacting the Youth Fund coordinator in your municipality is a must for every sports or cultural provider!" 

"I just wanted to say that I'm so glad you're here. It's wonderful to be able to offer something to families who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it. Thanks to you, children can participate again!" 

>> Urban Dance Studio website