After months of training, community engagement and artistic exchange, Pantsula My World, a project supported by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), concluded with two events celebrating the dance form and the people shaping its future.
Launched in December 2025 in partnership with Buru Ventures, Pantsula My World set out to develop a structured teaching methodology for Pantsula, with the aim of establishing it as a formally recognised contemporary South African dance genre.
Building on the work of the late Buru Mohlabane, the project worked with dance centres, schools and communities across South Africa to develop, document and introduce his teaching methodology. Through months of training and engagement, the programme sought to preserve Pantsula’s cultural heritage while strengthening opportunities for future generations of dancers.
Celebrating Pantsula in Katlehong
On 6 August 2026, the Pantsula My World Festival brought together approximately 450 participants and attendees, including 150 performers, in Katlehong.
The festival welcomed Pantsula groups, facilitators, young people, schools, practitioners, community members and cultural-sector professionals for a day dedicated to the dance form.
With performances from established and emerging dancers, including several women-led and women-only groups, the festival celebrated Pantsula’s place in South African culture and the communities that continue to develop and practise it.
Creating space for women in dance
Building on the strong participation of women at the festival, the programme concluded with Let’s Talk Mshoza, a women-only round-table discussion held on 21 September 2026 at IFAS in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
The discussion provided a space for women working in dance to share their experiences, examine the challenges they face and consider opportunities for professional development and greater participation in the sector.
Moderated by Nondumiso Msimango, the conversation brought together producer and programmer Lindiwe Lekasapa; dancer and choreographer Sonia Radebe; Pantsula practitioner, dancer and choreographer Julia Burnham; Nolo Mokotedi from IFAS; and Manaileng Maphike of Maphike Inc., who contributed a legal perspective.
The discussion addressed the experiences and ambitions of women in dance, recognising their contributions to Pantsula and the importance of creating opportunities for their continued participation.
Supporting the future of Pantsula
Through its work with dance centres, schools, practitioners and communities, Pantsula My World contributed to documenting and sharing the teaching methodology developed by Buru Mohlabane.
The project also provided opportunities to recognise the role of dancers, educators and communities in passing on Pantsula’s traditions while supporting its development as a contemporary dance genre.
Pantsula My World was made possible through funding from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with the support of the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).
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