Dancer, choreographer and founder of Unity Performing Arts in Umhlanga, Jemma van Breda is buzzing with creativity.
Jemma van Breda’s passion for the arts has been her guiding light from a young age. After discovering her love for dance in school, she never looked back. She went on to represent South Africa in Los Angeles at the World Dance Championships, where her talents earned her a scholarship at the prestigious Millennium Dance Complex. Immersed in LA’s bustling arts scene, Jemma loved the energy but felt something was missing. “There’s so much talent in South Africa,” she says, “I just thought, why can’t this be available back home?”
THE VISION
After returning home, Jemma founded Unity Performing Arts in Durban. Unity, as its name suggests, was created to bring together creatives from all walks of life – freelancers, dancers, musicians and visual artists. Her goal was simple but powerful: to provide a supportive space where artists could come together, collaborate and thrive without having to journey overseas. She also built a media division within Unity that focuses on employing and showcasing local talent through digital media and video projects. “It’s about collaboration over competition,” she explains.
Unity primarily serves young adults between 18 and 35, bridging the gap between childhood studios and professional life. Jemma explains that this age group often struggles to find artistic spaces that focus on their unique needs and aspirations. From hip-hop battles and art classes to videography and live performances, Unity is alive with projects that showcase South African talent and offer sustainable employment to young people.
A STUDIO WITH HEART
Unity is essentially a large, multi-use space that boasts a recording studio, media equipment, rehearsal space and the flexibility to cater to any and all art forms. More than just a studio, Unity is a home for expression and exploration. “We want to establish Durban as a true arts hub,” Jemma says, “a place where creatives can not only dream but also create meaningful work that resonates.”
This drive to empower local talent comes from Jemma’s own experiences abroad, where she saw first-hand the value of a strong arts community. By creating this platform, she’s helping Durban’s talent shine – no plane ticket required!
LIVING FOR ADVENTURE
When she’s not working, Jemma lives life to the fullest. Now based in Umdloti, she starts each morning with a swim in the ocean, catching the sunrise and soaking up the salt air. “The ocean and the sun do something to my DNA,” she laughs. Whether it’s surfing, skating or cliff diving, Jemma loves adrenaline-filled activities and exploring the North Coast’s natural beauty. On a whim, she’ll gather friends for spontaneous trips, diving into hidden waterfalls, finding secluded beaches and capturing these moments on camera for some spectacular content. These adventures fuel her creative spirit. “I need that inspiration,” she says, “whether it’s nature, travel or just being around amazing people.”
Details: @jemma_vb; @unityperformingarts
Text: Jennifer Campbell Photograph: Shren Media Makeup: Aldytha Da Silva