Cape Town comedian Alan Committie is set to emcee this year's edition of Dancers Love Dogs, a one-night-only gala event happening on November 3 at Artscape in Cape Town. The event, now in its annual iteration, brings together the dance community and dog lovers alike for a charity function. Committie, known for his humor and animal affection, has been hosting the event for the last eight or nine years. He attributes his love for the event to his fondness for dogs and the dance community.
Committie, who claims to be an internationally acclaimed animal whisperer, revealed that he is not a dog parent due to his travel commitments. However, he expressed his admiration for dogs, stating that his ideal dog would be a bulldog. He cited the bulldog's stubbornness, determination, and clownish nature as reasons for his affinity. Committie's past canine companions include a Border Collie named Jessica Fletcher and a basset hound named Boris Johnson. He fondly recalled their unique personalities and quirks.
The Dancers Love Dogs event aims to raise funds for animal sterilization and welfare initiatives. Committie emphasized that each ticket sold contributes to the sterilization of an animal, with over 35,000 sterilisations funded to date. The event also supports education and community outreach programs addressing the animal welfare crisis. Committie praised Brigitte Reeve-Taylor, the event's organizer, for her dedication to bringing the dance community together for a worthy cause.
As the emcee, Committie's role extends beyond hosting duties. He ensures that the event runs smoothly, maintaining decorum backstage where dogs and dancers can get unruly. Committie described the chaos that ensues, with dogs and performers interacting in unpredictable ways. He uses his "animal magnetism" to channel this energy onto the stage, creating an entertaining experience for the audience.
Committie's involvement in the dance fraternity is not surprising, given his background in contemporary dance. He trained under Jay Pather in the mid-1990s and credits him for teaching the fundamentals of dance. Committie admires dancers for their precision, dedication, and seriousness, which he believes create a perfect comedic juxtaposition. He often sends up dance performances, poking fun at the dancers' gravity and poise.
This year's gala may feature a special performance by Committie himself. He hinted at the possibility of doing his pas de deux, a dance routine with a Great Dane named Anja Ingrid Wieger. The performance, set to Tate McRae's 'Housewife,' will apparently tell the life story of Helen Zille. Committie downplayed his ballet training, claiming to have had very little formal instruction.
The Dancers Love Dogs charity gala takes place at Artscape on November 3, with tickets available through the event's website. Committie confirmed that the event is a highlight of his calendar, and he looks forward to it every year. The event brings together dog lovers and dance enthusiasts for a fun and charitable cause, with Committie's humor and animal affection at the forefront.
Key points
- The Dancers Love Dogs gala event has funded over 35,000 animal sterilisations to date.
- Comedian Alan Committie has been hosting the event for the last eight or nine years.
- The event takes place on November 3 at Artscape in Cape Town, with tickets available online.
