Social Development Through Arts And Culture
Talia Alexis
My history with Applauz Arts Initiative dates back to 2002, where I first joined the company at the age of 18. I am proud to say that I am one of the founding members.
I grew up in a family of entertainers; I always had the arts in every avenue my life veered through. The Arts played a big role in Primary school, high school and university years.
It was really through Applauz Arts Initiative that I put practice to my long-standing passion. I got to perform and collaborate with many industry greats (Jennifer Jones, Mynie Grove, Dizu Plaaitjies, Sibongile Khumalo) as well the new comers to entertainment industry (Gloria Bosman, Jak De Prieste).
Besides the growth in performance technique, I developed socially with the diverse array of performers from different art forms that collaborated with Applauz, from indigenous cultural groups to solo artists. Artists that shared the same passion I have, however from different walks of life. Applauz Arts Initiative bridged that gap, and provided a platform for this exchange, for this creative dialogue.
Applauz then introduced me to the international arena, with contracts in Spain and China, exposing me to the international market. It was here that I learned I had not learned enough, that my focus as a performer had grown from domestic to international.
I am currently working as a professional singer on board the international cruise liner Costa. I have been generating a stable
income for the past 7 years as a performer.
Applauz Arts Initiative simply equips it’s members with the valuable resources needed to function on a professional level as an artist. It allows you the space to grow creatively, which in turn adds to your personal development. It was here where I learned “hard work pays”, not only on an economic level but also with creative gratification, emotional investment, and social understanding.
In the past 7 years I have travelled to Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Slovenia, the US, Dubai, Brazil, Russia, Norway. I am constantly faced with endless international opportunities - mostly because of my talent and confidence I have in my talent, my willingness to grow, my work ethic and my humility, all these characteristics that Applauz Arts Initiative identified in me and helped me to develop.
