Mpopoma  Dance Ensemble from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe was started about 4 years ago for young people mainly aged 14 – 20 to learn traditional southern African performance skills and styles from other African countries. It had the parallel aim of keeping these young people off the streets and away from an increasing risk of alcohol dependency and AIDS.

The group and their Director, Tongesayi Gumbo, have aspirations to further their performance skills and extend their shows both within Zimbabwe and abroad. Their Abangani Arts Festivals in December 2003, 2004. 05 and 06 in Bulawayo and their highly successful tour to the UK in the summers of 2004 and 2005 were the first steps in this new journey. This follows their recent National Arts Award for the best Dance Company in Zimbabwe.

The group are developing their office base in Bulawayo. This will provide small scale but sustainable employment, initially for their own school leavers, as well as providing some support resources for the wider arts community in Bulawayo .

2005 saw Mpopoma bring two brand new productions to the UK - WOZA! and Drop - plus new songs as well as some old favourires. WOZA! (above and right) is a celebration of township dance and music whilst Drop retains the group's traditional styles and high-energy delivery.

Mpopoma Dance Ensemble also works on developing and teaching productions that give theatre education to the community, using issues that are important to the community. These have included AIDS/HIV, STDs, drug and alcohol abuse and prostitution. All productions are handled in a cultural way; the community is part of the dance ensemble and is welcome to contribute ideas and suggestions. Family members of the ensemble play an important part in its functioning. Monthly performances for the families are followed by discussions with them to involve them in the development of the group's aspirations.