Jazzart was initially founded by Sonya Mayo as a dance school in 1975. Sue Parker took over the reins in 1978 and established a modern dance company, whose focus was to popularise so-called “contemporary dance”. During the period 1978 to 1982 the company was known as - Sue Parker’s Jazzart Contemporary Dance Company. Dance Caravan an all-male group was established in 1979, within the parent company. Because of the company’s commitment to take dance to disadvantaged communities, where free performances were given, by 1980 it was in dire financial difficulties, and in imminent danger of closure. However the company received sponsorship, and was able to continue.
In 1982 Sue Parker left the company, and it was taken over by Val Steyn. Its name was changed to the Jazzart Contemporary Dance Company. Under Val Steyn’s direction an all female group of dancers was established, called Jamieson Express. It was hoped that this group would bring in sufficient income from corporate bookings to subsidise Jazzart’s free community and school performances. Alfred Hinkel operated as a free-lance dancer/teacher/choreographer based at Jazzart, and co-founded the Pace Dance Company with Val Steyn. In 1986 Alfred Hinkel took over the leadership, and the name of the company was again changed, this time toJazzart Dance Theatre. Under his direction the company took on a more socio-political character, but again financial difficulties were experienced. In 1992 Jazzart became CAPAB’s Modern Dance Department, and has performed its Educational Schools Programme to over 83000 school children, and is at present teaching dance to youngsters in 20 different venues in the Cape Flats. These projects include street children, physically handicapped and hearing impaired children.