Step into the world of this dynamic cultural performance with Flamenkhoi’s production, Dancing In The Dust! This 60-minute journey is a pulsating fusion of dance styles featuring Flamenco, Khoi, Tswana, Zulu, and more. Crafted by the visionary Rosana Maya and Pinky !Xu Ramagole and directed by Jonathan Pienaar, this production stands as a powerful tribute to the richness of our cultural heritage and the profound beauty of our shared humanity.
With original compositions by Micah Myles and Lebogang “Lebzmuzo” Lechela, complemented by the vocals of Nobuhle Ngcolo, every note resonates with passion and authenticity. As the stage comes alive with the breathtaking performances of dancers Komani Hara, Cari-Juane Wessels, Leela-Lind Devar, and the graceful movements of Pinky and Rosana themselves, prepare to be transported on a journey that will stir your soul, ignite your imagination, and leave an unforgettable mark on your heart.
Dancing In The Dust
beckons you to immerse yourself in the elemental forces of fire, earth, air, and water, urging us all to cherish the world around us. Don’t miss this groundbreaking experience that promises to leave you inspired, uplifted, and forever changed!
Friday 14 June – 19:00hrs
Saturday 15 June – 15:00hrs & 18:00hrs (Gala Premiere)
Sunday 16 June – 15:00hrs
-The performance is at The National School of the Arts Theatre 55 Melle Street, Braamfontein-
THE SHOW – programme
- Lighting the ritual flame
- KUELE – “the calling” with the prayer given to Ramagole by the San tribes of Botswana
- FUEGO
- DRUM BEAT
- JALEOS
- EGYPTO
- TIERRA/LEFATSI
- BASILA MABELE
- TSHWENYANE
- RITUAL BLUES
- OE
- AIRE
- TANGOS
- PULA/AGUA
- YELE
- SIGUIRIYAS
- KHOLOI
Biographies of Key Artists:
Jonathan Pienaar – Director
Jonathan Pienaar is a living legend of theatre and film in South Africa His illustrious career in theatre spanned many genres over many years, appearing in one man shows, stand-up comedy, Shakespeare plays, dramas, musicals and dance productions. He has written plays, music and songs, scripts for many theatre and movie productions and directed both theatre shows and movies. Jonathan took to the screen in 1984 and is a household name in TV productions as well as a national and international movie star, appearing in films such as; American Ninja (cannon films), Dollars and White Pipes (video Vision), Venus Noire (MK2), Blood Diamond (Warner Bros.), Lord Jones is Dead (Canadian Independent), Warrior (HBO series), Troy Fall of a City (BBC), Deutschland 86 (German TV series) and many more. He has been directing FlamenKhoi since 2018 since the company toured Greece. www.jonathanpienaar.com IMDB Jonathan Pienaar.
Isaac Pinky !Xu Ramagole – a cultural custodian, original songs and choreography
Meet Isaac “Pinky Xu!” Ramagole is a renowned figure in the realm of African dance. His dedication to preserving and showcasing the diverse forms, including, pantsula, gumboot, patis, Tswana and Khoi, has earned him a reputation as a cultural custodian and star performer. Having lived with Khoisan in the Kalahari and Botswana to grasp the authentic, he teaches and performs and is no doubt the leading authority and master of his craft.
The kind of passion and commitment Ramagole has in disseminating information of national and international interest is as important as the status of African traditional dance. He has been, and continues to be, instrumental in developing African dance and its various styles which he has passed on to many people over the years.
Rosana Maya – conceptualiser, choreographer, dancer, costume designer
Rosana Maya is an international exponent of dance who has captivated audiences worldwide with her mastery of flamenco and Spanish Dance. Her extensive experience, honed through the years of performing, choreographing and teaching has led to become a leading voice in flamenco, having lectured on the performing arts of Spain and publishing The Flamenco Fanatic – a complete guide for flamenco enthusiasts. She has taught hundreds of aspiring dancers and teachers in 4 continents. Her life dedication to flamenco dance has amounted to continually studying and valuing the hybrid, universal nature and language of flamenco, Maya is a freelance artist and director of NPC Fl;amenco fanatic and is a Profesora Asesora, syllabus coordinator and teaching consultant for Alianza Flamenca (NPO). She has danced in soloist capacity in various dance companies and founded Alegria Academia de Flamenco in Malta and dance company Alegria Dance Company. After 25 years she returned to South Africa to share her experience and create works in her home country. Since her return she has worked with NPO Wilvan School of Dance (Artistic Director 2012/2013), the University of Cape Town School of Dance, El Rincon Flamenco and Dada Masilo Dance Factory (rehearsal director and coach). The concept of FlamenKhoi is the result of her exploration and identifying the relationship in local and flamenco traditions; Khoisan, Tswana and flamenco music, song and dance.
Lebogang Lechela “Lebzmuzo” – multi-instrumentalist with rhythmic prowess, composer, musician
Lebzmuzo is a multi-talented musician who seamlessly blends classic, folk, rock, jazz and mbaqanga styles. A master of guitar with a mesmerizing singing voice, he writes his own compositions and performs as a solo artist. His innate ability to play a wide range of instruments including drums, percussion, ukulele, clarinet, accordion, keyboard and bass guitar, add depth and versatility to his performances. Besides performing, Lebz tutors guitar lessons and has a broad knowledge of a wide range of musical instruments making him a valued sound technician and musical director for FlamenKhoi His passion for music and his natural ability to play almost any musical instrument knows no bounds. Lebz has performed at events for the World Cup opening 2010, Award Ceremonies for Marie Claire, Hollard and Nedbank , at the SAICA leadership Conferences as well as at Joy of Jazz and the Soweto Arts Festival to mention a few.
Micah Myles – a master guitarist with an unwavering spirit, composer, guitarist
Johannesburg based virtuoso guitarist Micah Myles specialising in a range of techniques in classical, flamenco, African and Jazz music, His vast repertoire includes music genres ranging from Gypsy jazz, Bossa Nova, Blues, pop and various folk and world music styles. He is key to the fusion of the African and flamenco original compositions in Kuele. He was ambassador to Yamaha and has played in a solo capacity as well in groups, accompanying singers and dancers at many prestigious events, namely the embassy of Spain and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. In 2008 Micah was diagnosed with a rare degenerative eye disease called RP – retinitis Pigmentosa. However, despite his condition, Micah’s natural ability and technical ability is constantly expanding as he develops an acute musical ear. With his gentle manner he remains passionate to continue playing guitar and furthering his knowledge. Micah touches the hearts of all who meet him and hear him play.
Nobuhle Ngcobo – Singer
A dedicated Mother and Artist, works well with people in every production I work with. I have worked with Alexandra Gospel Choir then was introduced to theatre where I worked with Ntshieng Mokgoro as an actress in her production LOYILE LAMABALA. I love teaching music as this special gift of singing can heal the world I have also featured in ISTHUNZI drama series on MZANSI MAGIC and OMEN. With Alexandra Youth In Action Ensemble was featured in Mbongeni Ngemas ASINAMALI Film. Mostly enjoyed being part of a 5 times award winner theatre production called Women’s Liberation. I have performed Womens Liberations and EMKHATHINI both in Cape Town at Baxter Theatre and at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. I also took part in VAVASATI womens festival at the South African State Theatre. I have worked with Newcastle Arts Development Organisation in a production called I MARRIED MY FATHER staged at PLAY HOUSE. Am also serving as a Treasure at Multipurpose Art Production Youth Organisation based in Gauteng. I am a Secretary of Imbeleko/Pelego Arts Development Organisation based in the Eastern Cape and INyandza Women Organisation based in Mpumalanga. I dedicate my time to initiatives of empowering women and children. Singing is my Life, my Life is Singing.
Komani Hara – Flamenco, Classical and traditional dancer
Komani began dancing at a young age completing his RAD ballet training and Alianza Flamenca certifications to the advanced levels. In 2010 he entered El Rincon Flamenco with Joanne Bobrow and has been under the guidance of Maya since 2013. He has received high acclaim, winning all the dance competitions he entered, receiving the highest acclaim in festivals and performances. He is a natural artist with extreme rhythm and a beautiful singing voice to top it all. Komani recently graduated in BA Architecture at the university of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Cari-Juane Wessels – Flamenco dancer
Cari_ Juane began dancing at a young age in various styles of dance to eventually settle on flamenco when she entered El Rincon Flamenco in 2010. She has been a student of Maya since 2013 and completed her Alianza Flamenca Diploma de Enseñanza in 2020. Cari-Juane has won awards of excellence in many dance festivals and competitions and is now a valued member of flamenkhoi. Cari is currently in her final year of studying BA Communications at UNISA.
Leele-Lind Devar – Flamenco and classical dancer
Leela-Lind began her classical dance training at a very young age and went on to full-time secondary vocational dance study at the National School of the Arts. Her flamenco dance training began with Alexandra Lemaitre where she had many opportunities to perform in festivals and amateur productions. She won countless awards for her performances and reached advanced study in classical ballet and flamenco and other dance styles, namely contemporary, traditional and regional dance. Leela recently graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in BSC Economics and is performing regularly for various semi-professional dance groups.
Book your tickets with Webtickets
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1547918915
Sponsored and supported by The Embassy of Spain, The Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Flamenco Fanatic fashion @flamencofanatic, Dancers Studio – El Rincon Flamenco, The Joburg Theatre, DC. One, Alexandra Lemaitre Dance School, Venessa Viney, Photographers: Micheal Nicolaou @mnicolaouphotos & Sanette Wessels @photonette.photography, Lebzmuzo sound equipment, graphic designer Komani Hara, The Pink Room for recording of the original soundtrack, Blue Cloud Print and Sign.
