JOHANNESBURG – Pantsula-focused SA dance troupe, Via Katlehong brought 'Via Injabulo' performance home for the first time.
The internationally-acclaimed group recently performed at the Joburg Theatre following their world tour.
The group combines pantsula, traditional African dance, hip-hop, and contemporary dance and uses that to share their life experiences, battles and joy.
FILE: Pantsula-focused SA dance troupe, Via Katlehong. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
Co-director, Buru Mohlabane told Eyewitness News that the group was formed in the early 90s to keep children away from violence plaguing the country then. Originally a community troupe, Via Katlehong was composed of youths from the township of Katlehong in Johannesburg's east rand.
“Steven and I are the second generation and have been part of Via Katlehong since 1996. We are some of the luckiest young boys who were taken from the streets during a violent time in Katlehong,” said Mohlabane.
“The dancing was an extra-mural activity up until 2000 that’s when we got an opportunity to go overseas and Via Katlehong created several shows which became successful across Europe and we offered many workshops and were part of a lot of collaborations,” noted Mohlabane.
Via Katlehong Dance is currently led by Mohlabane and Steven Faleni, and the company comprises a community school of dance, with 18 professional members.
FILE: Pantsula-focused SA dance troupe, Via Katlehong. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
The group has since won many awards, including FNB Vita Dance, Dance Umbrella awards, Gauteng Dance Showcase, KTV Most Brilliant Achievement, and Gauteng MEC Development Award.
The group has gained international acclaim for its performances, having completed successful tours of France and Europe, including a highlight performance at the prestigious Avignon Festival.
Group member Thulisile Binda told Eyewitness News that a part of her performance is a representation of her journey as she heals old wounds and faces her trauma so she can come out on the other side stronger.
FILE: Pantsula-focused SA dance troupe, Via Katlehong. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
“When I take that tape out it’s like opening that scar but dealing with what is underneath but also facing it. When I rip the tape off the stage that’s me celebrating that I have come to an end of any pain I’ve gone through. And now I’m open to starting a new journey, I’m open to moving forward.”
FILE: Pantsula-focused SA dance troupe, Via Katlehong. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
Another member, Tshepo Mahlabane said he started with isipantsula in 2012.
“I pushed myself to learn new genres like ballet, and tap dancing. I was then fortunate enough to go overseas to perfect my skills and started making a living as a dancer.
"It’s not easy, but it’s a matter of fighting for what you want as a Black child and grabbing those opportunities even when no one is the to support you."
FILE: Pantsula-focused SA dance troupe, Via Katlehong. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
This was the first time that the group performed 'Via Injabulo' for a South African audience, after their shows in France, The Netherlands and Portugal, and a recent performance at the Maitisong Festival in Gaborone.
Speaking on why the group isn’t wearing matching outfits like a typical pantsula crew performer, Abe Vilakazi told Eyewitness News that they wanted their customers to represent everyday people not just pantsula dancers.
FILE: Pantsula-focused SA dance troupe, Via Katlehong. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
“We tried to bring everyday dress code to the stage this is why we don’t use pantsula costumes. You can go everywhere and you will find Amapantsula wearing Dickies and All-Star so we tried to break the rules and come up with something new and different.”
The show Via Injabulo celebrates the spirit of community, culture, and tradition of the township of Katlehong, through a unique blend of contemporary dance and South African pantsula.
FILE: Pantsula-focused SA dance troupe Via Katlehong. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ Eyewitness News.
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