1.
24
February
2016
Acrobalance
workshop
at
Imbali
On
Tuesday
16
February
Irene
Vincent
ran
an
acrobalance
workshop
with
Imbali
students
and
staff.
She
began
the
session
with
a
number
of
fun
warm
up
games
and
activities.
These
games
broke
the
ice
and
her
open
and
friendly
manner
really
put
everyone
at
ease.
Many
of
these
games
and
movement
exercises
we
will
be
able
to
use
at
Imbali
in
the
future
as
icebreakers
and
during
workshops.
Then
Irene
introduced
some
simple
acro
balance
positions.
This
was
a
lot
of
fun.
She
explained
and
demonstrated
each
position
with
great
clarity
and
then
gave
everyone
a
chance
to
try.
Students
and
staff
really
enjoyed
themselves
and
even
during
the
short
span
of
an
afternoon
it
was
evident
how
confidence
and
trust
was
built
and
developed
among
participants.
Irene’s
open,
responsive
and
approachable
attitude
made
participants
feel
safe
and
secure
and
eager
to
try
new
things.
Her
inclusive
approach
ensured
that
the
larger
and
shy
people
felt
as
comfortable
and
eager
to
explore
acrobalance
as
the
more
athletic
individuals.
Imbali
would
like
to
welcome
Irene
back
any
time
to
work
with
us
again.
Yours
sincerely
Justine
Watterson
Imbali
Director

2.
Some
words
from
Imbali
staff
and
students:
‘It
was
fun;
I
was
reminded
of
when
I
was
a
child
and
the
games
we
played
then.
I
felt
like
I
was
ten
years
old
again.’
Portia
Thenjwayo,
Imbali
office
coordinator
‘I
enjoyed
this
acrobalance
so
much.
It
taught
me
balance,
which
is
something
I
can
apply
to
other
areas
of
my
life
and
also
my
art.
Participating
in
the
workshop
also
brought
out
the
child
in
me.’
Sifiso
Suntsha,
Imbali
1st
year
student.
‘This
taught
me
focus
and
balance.
I
had
fun.
I
never
know
that
circus
things
can
be
a
part
of
art;
I
learned
this
from
the
acrobalance.
Also,
if
you
build
a
proper
base,
then
you
can
put
anything
on
top.
This
is
true
of
life
too.’
Hendrick
Eksteen,
Imbali
1st
year
student.
‘Doing
these
balances
was
very
creative.
It
was
a
lot
of
fun.
I
think
it
can
help
me
to
create
things
I
want
in
my
life.
It
can
help
me
think
clearly.’
Malefetsane
Moloi,
Imbali
1st
year
student.
‘Balance
is
important
it
is
about
taking
a
chance.
We
had
to
believe
in
ourselves.
I
learned
to
do
this,
also
develop
mental
strength.’
Vuyo
Mfokazi,
Imbali
1st
year
student.
‘I
enjoyed
this
acrobalance
a
lot,
even
if
you
are
big
like
me
you
can
balance
on
these
thin
people.
It
was
exciting
and
too
much
fun.
I
had
no
idea
I
could
be
on
top
of
someone
thinner
than
myself.’
Thuli
Maseko,
Imbali
1st
year
student.

3.
‘I
gained
more
knowledge
about
myself.
It
was
difficult
and
at
first
I
didn’t
want
to
try
it
because
I
thought
it
was
too
dangerous.
Then
when
I
tried
I
loved
it.
It
was
good
for
me.’
Kwenele
Sithole,
Imbali
2nd
year
student.
‘It
was
fun;
I
felt
my
muscles
working
and
stretching.
I
felt
strong
doing
these
things’.
Grace
Mmokwa,
Imbali
2nd
year
student.
‘Doing
acrobalance
was
an
exciting
and
new
experience
for
me.
I
learnt
to
trust
my
body.’
Bongeka
Ntandane,
Imbali
2nd
year
student.
‘I
learnt
it’s
not
about
size.
Seeing
those
big
people
on
top
of
Irene
made
me
realise
this.’
Mondle
Khobeni,
Imbali
2nd
year
student.