Life is a cabaret for Petro (83)

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A group of special members of the Great Brak community pulled off another highly successful Great Brak Cabaret on Thursday and Friday, 30 and 31 May.

This year, it was the 13th time that the cabaret was held. The funds raised from ticket sales will go to the Child Welfare SA Great Brak branch and to Caws 4 Paws animal welfare charity.

The cabaret is the brainchild of dancer and Callanetics teacher Petro Taute (83). She gives two Callanetics classes a week in Glentana.

Petro lived in George before moving to Great Brak.

"I did shows in George and even had the mayor on stage one time," Taute says. "I danced a lot in George. I did ballet and was also an aerobics teacher. I've always had dancing groups. I like to promote young, unknown artists."

Besides Child Welfare and Caws 4 Paws, they have contributed to other charities in the past, such as a Glentana crèche, the community of Sonskynvallei as well as anti-drug abuse efforts.

"That is how it started. I love doing it," she exclaims. "I started the cabaret when I was 70 years old. Now I'm 83 and still going strong. It's a community thing. I love to work for the community. I enjoy dancing, but I also love producing."

The cabaret featured a wide variety of acts including gumboot dancers, a rapper, singers and musicians.

Despite the inclement weather, the turnout was impressive and on Friday night 31 May it was a full house. The venue was De Dekke restaurant.

Singer, musician and composer Petronel Baard; Caws 4 Paws' Barry Greyvenstein; cabaret stalwart Sulien Kamfer; producer Petro Taute; and supporter and actor Lynda Murison. Photo: Elaine van der Toorn