For more than 200 young Zimbabweans, the One Dream Dance (ODD) Festival is more than just another performance.

It is an opportunity to step onto a professional stage, perform alongside established dancers and discover that talent can become a pathway to a brighter future.

The festival, being held at Alliance Française Harare from August 1 to 2, brings together school-going young people and professional performers in an initiative aimed at nurturing confidence, discipline and creativity through dance.

One Dream Dance Festival founder and organiser Joshua Saunyama said the festival was born from the belief that every young person deserves an opportunity to express themselves through the arts.

"The One Dream Dance Festival was created from the belief that every young person deserves a platform to express themselves through dance. As a dancer and choreographer, I've seen how dance builds confidence, discipline and community," said Saunyama.

He said the festival goes beyond entertainment and is intended to help young people recognise their own potential.

"The ODD Festival is about possibility. It tells the story of young people discovering their potential and reminds them that one dream, when nurtured, can grow into something much bigger," he said.

This year's edition marks another milestone for the festival, with more than 200 school-going young people expected to perform alongside professional dancers at its new venue.

Saunyama said bringing together experienced performers and emerging talent was a deliberate decision aimed at creating an environment where young people can learn while showcasing their abilities.

"The line-up was built around diversity and opportunity. We wanted to showcase different dance styles while giving young performers the chance to share the stage with experienced artists. Every performance was chosen because it contributes to the festival's message of creativity, growth and excellence," he said.

Organising an event of that scale has required months of rehearsals and coordination with schools, parents and performers.

"Organising a festival involving more than 200 young people comes with many moving parts, from rehearsals and production to coordinating with schools, parents and performers. The most rewarding part has been watching the young dancers grow in confidence and seeing the excitement they bring to every rehearsal and performance," said Saunyama.

He said he hopes the festival will inspire audiences to see dance as more than just a performance, but as a tool for personal growth and opportunity.

"I want people to leave inspired. I want the young people to feel proud of what they've achieved, parents to see the incredible potential in their children, and audiences to appreciate the talent within our young creatives. If someone leaves believing more in themselves or in the power of the arts, we've achieved our goal," he said.

Saunyama said his long-term vision is for the One Dream Dance Festival to become a platform that continues to nurture talent and strengthen Zimbabwe's creative sector.

"I see the ODD Festival as more than an annual event. It's a platform that nurtures young talent, encourages artistic expression and strengthens Zimbabwe's creative community. If even one young person leaves believing they can build a future through the arts, then we've made a meaningful impact," he said.