Grahamstown’s very own Via Kasi Movers pantsula dance crew came eighth in the 2013 edition of eTV’s Step Up Or Step Out reality dance show.
Grahamstown’s very own Via Kasi Movers pantsula dance crew came eighth in the 2013 edition of eTV’s Step Up Or Step Out reality dance show.
They slipped out of line for the R70 000 prize money on the show airing on Sunday 11 August, but made their hometown proud.
They were knocked out of the competition in the battle stages. "We had eight challenges and we were let down by the battle with Durban-based hip-hop dance crew, Street Evolution," said Simthembile Makele, "because we danced to slow song and that really challenged us".
"The whole crowd cried in disbelief and disappointment when we were told to step out," added Via Kasi director Ayanda "Mabheka" Nondlwana.
But winning isn’t everything.
The Movers were inspired by what they experienced during their three weeks spent in Johannesburg for the show. Makele said they learnt many other genres like Tsonga dance, which they’d never done before, and were directed by acclaimed SA choreographer Somizi Mhlongo.
"I can do a bit of every dance style now," he said. "The competition has opened our minds to learn other dance styles to incorporate with isiPantsula," Nondlwana told Grocott’s Mail. "We had focused a lot on isiPantsula since we believe that it is a Kasi (township) culture," but he believes broadening their repertoire will help them attract more support and dancers to collaborate with.
The five-man group consisting of Nondlwana, Makele, Thozamile "Rockie" Mngcongo (choreographer), Thanduxolo Kilani and Nceba Njadayi started dancing together in 2009, led by Nondlwana and Mngcongo. "Since we represented Grahamstown in the competition we felt a need to give back to Grahamstown and our to local supporters," said Nondlwana.
They returned from Jo’burg just in time to perform in the last days of the Fingo Festival and Jazz at Dakawa Programme running alongside the National Arts Festival.
Sinethemba Kralo, a local fan, said it was nice to see a pantsula group representing the city at a national level. "I watched them every day and I enjoyed them so much, I wish they can go back next year and win it," added Anele Heshu. But Step Up Or Step Out isn’t the end of the road for the local group.
Kilani says they now plan to get more people to join Via Kasi, and Grahamstown only has one other pantsula group, Jika Majaivane. "We need more people to come and join the group so that we can get sponsors and we can afford to go to other competitions as a unit," Njadayi said, "people must not see the same faces again and again".
Nondlwana says it’s important to teach talented youngsters to follow their dreams, especially in the arts, because many location children don’t necessarily get support from parents. Via Kasi wants to nurture young talents and pass on the skills that they have
. Nondlwana says they’re currently working closely with Nomzamo Secondary School in Port Alfred, with drama and dance.
The group wants to thank the ANC Youth League, the Rhodes University Drama Department, Dakawa Arts Centre and the Grahamstown community at large for being behind them throughout their journey.
