MOEKETSI KOENA has danced and choreographed in South Africa and internationally. His latest piece, Tracing Part 2 Future - Tsoha, which forms part of the Bhabha dance programme at Artscape, will be presented by the Jazzart Training Programme
What is Bhabha about?
Bhabha is a concept that came from Jackï Job, artistic resident at Jazzart Dance Theatre. She asked me to choreograph a work for this production. So I pondered over this and wondered what my contribution to Bhabha, (meaning, "to fly" in Xhosa), could be.
We are in the 20th year of a democracy and I thought it would be great if the young dancers could look at themselves. We have moved from apartheid to a democratic country, but we are still experiencing problems in the country, especially with the youth, who find it difficult to express themselves.
So my contribution, a multi-disciplinary work called Tracing Part 2 Future - Tsoha, wishes to entertain, inform and educate people about self-appreciation.
What was the inspiration for this production?
I always like to work with personal challenges and real issues. I read newspapers, walk the streets, look around and observe - and recently I realised the chaos amongst the youth.
That inspired and influenced my choreography, which uses movements from street dance styles, African contemporary, as well as self-composed texts.
How did you work with the dancers?
I allowed them to research and translate their personal stories into several vignettes that reflect on how their past engages with the present, and how their commitment affects their future.
As much as I was teaching them, they were teaching me - it worked both ways.
From the beginning I made it clear to the dancers that they should be questioning themselves, and that I did not aim to impose my choreography on them.
You are director of Inzalo Dance Theatre Company. Tell us more about the company.
I have been the founder and artistic director since 1999, initially with Sello Pesa, although he has now formed his own company. We came from different dance styles, hip-hop, pantsula, traditional dance, etc.
The idea was to create this company and give the younger generation the opportunity to express themselves through dance.
Inzalo's aim is to train, to place dancers with other choreographers or dance companies and also work with dancers we are really interested in. We work nationally and internationally and encourage the dancers we have taught to become independent and do their own work. In 2003 and 2008 we won the Dance Africa Award for Best Contemporary Company in Africa.
You have worked in South Africa, the US and Europe. How did you get started? What drew you to dance?
I started as a hip-hop dancer on the streets of Soweto and in nightclubs. As part of our youth club we performed at social events for our own Mamas and homeless kids. In 1989 I met the late Jacky Semela, who became my mentor. I changed to contemporary dance and in 1992 attended workshops with Alfred Hinkel (Jazzart).
What would you say your goals are for dance in South Africa - where would you like to see it going?
My concern is personal. I have always dreamt of having a space where dancers can learn and where I can deliver my philosophical way of thinking towards dance. I am enthusiastic and fascinated by all the talent we have in South Africa, but it breaks my heart when they do not have a place to go to. Also, seeing them lose courage before they get anywhere. Motivation is always needed, as well as a sense of belonging.
What was the last live show you saw, and how did you find it?
Geneva Ballet - I went with the Jazzart dancers. We sat there riveted and watched their expertise.
Bhabha is at Artscape Theatre tonight and tomorrow.
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