Afrofusion Dance

24 minutes

Produced for CNN Inside Africa

This week we travel to South Africa to see how its rich kaleidoscope of cultural diversity finds expression in dance. From a township project that educates young minds by merging and contrasting world rhythms, to a local dance theatre infusing traditional tribal moves with eastern flair, and a modern re-telling of a great English classic.

Part 1

It’s a sea of bright young faces, staring ahead in rapt attention. These are the children from McBain Charles primary school in Johannesburg and this is their Wednesday morning class. Thanks to Edudance, an innovative township outreach program, they are gathered here for lesson on the history of South Africa. This is a lively rendition of landmark historical events, translated into pulsating rhythm and foot-stomping movement.

For these young scholars, events from South Africa’s turbulent past come alive as the dancer jive and boogie their way from snapshots of Sophiatown, a vibrant cultural hub during the days of apartheid, to Nelson Mandela’s treason trial, and eventually culminating in a rousing celebration of freedom.

Part 2

For the past twenty-seven years, the Tribhangi dance theatre has become known for its masterful blending of Indian classical moves with African traditional rhythms. A classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Jayesperi Moopen started the company as a means to make the dance genre more accessible to local South African audiences.

She says that her Afro-Asian choreography is all about creating something new, while remaining true to the integrity of the original style. Based in Johannesburg, the Tribhangi studio is a celebration of talent and creativity.

Part 3

It’s an ancient and iconic story of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. South African born choreographer Jessica Nupen has given William Shakespeare’s classic tale a fresh, contemporary twist.

The title of this piece is ‘Rebellion & Johannesburg’ and it’s based on the Shakespeare classic of Romeo and Juliet. She was inspired by the city and the rebellious nature of our youth culture in the city and so the idea resonated hugely with her, as it did with the dancers.

The performance moves along at a cracking pace, capturing the youthful vigor and restlessness of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.
And while keeping the universally understood core themes of vengeance, tragedy and ill-fated romance intact, ‘Rebellion & Johannesburg’ weaves in topics like political corruption, crime and excess.