Sarakasi launches annual dance competition to discover Kenya's young performers

Sarakasi Trust has launched the inaugural Sarakasi Rising Stars Dance Competition, an annual community initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing and showcasing young dance talent from across Kenya.

The first edition of the competition will be held on August 15, 2026, bringing together children's dance groups comprising participants aged between six and 15 years in a celebration of creativity, culture and artistic excellence.

According to the organisation, participation will be free, a move intended to ensure children from all social and economic backgrounds can showcase their talent without financial barriers.

The competition builds on Sarakasi Trust's more than two decades of work in the performing arts, during which it has trained and mentored thousands of young people in dance, acrobatics, music, theatre and creative education.

Managing Director Lilian Mwari said the initiative seeks to create opportunities for gifted children who often lack access to professional performance spaces and quality mentorship.

"Kenya is home to extraordinary young talent, yet many gifted children never receive the opportunity to perform on a professional stage or access quality mentorship. Sarakasi Rising Stars is our commitment to ensuring that every child with passion and talent has an opportunity to shine regardless of their background. We are not simply organising a competition; we are building the future of Kenya's creative industry," she said.

The competition will feature dance groups of between six and 10 members, with performances evaluated on creativity, choreography, originality, teamwork, stage presence, musicality and technical execution.

Beyond the contest, participants will receive mentorship from experienced choreographers and industry practitioners, including Sarakasi's in-house choreographers Edu the Coach and Oscar Choreographer, both of whom have more than 15 years of experience in dance and talent development.

The event is also being organised in collaboration with Aggie the Dance Queen, whose influence within Kenya's dance community is expected to help attract and inspire young performers from grassroots communities.

Organisers expect hundreds of dancers representing schools, community-based dance groups and youth organisations from Nairobi and neighbouring counties to take part.

Sarakasi Trust is also seeking support from corporate organisations, development partners and sponsors to help fund event production, participant welfare, costumes, prizes, media coverage and logistics.

The organisation says it intends for Sarakasi Rising Stars to become an annual national platform that nurtures emerging dance talent while contributing to the growth of Kenya's creative and cultural industries.