Founded in 1978 by dance activist, teacher and choreographer Sylvia “Magogo” Glasser, Moving Into Dance (MID) is a beacon of hope and an iconic organisation within South Africa’s arts landscape. Its survival for 48 years, despite the difficult environment South African arts organisations continue to navigate, is testament to the tenacity and vision of its founding team and the many exceptional administrators, teachers, choreographers, students and dancers who have passed through the doors of MID’s Newtown home.
At MID’s 30th anniversary in 2008, veteran dance writer Adrienne Sichel wrote: “Survival isn’t only tied to financial support and infrastructure but to enduring, relevant, choreographic and artistic vision. The dice has been doubly loaded against Moving Into Dance (Mophatong). It was originally conceived during the socio-political maelstrom of apartheid South Africa when a simple act of dancing together, across the colour line, was in effect against the law. Against all odds, Sylvia Glasser’s then reckless idea of creating a non-racial company, with Afrocentric aspirations, became a crucible for aesthetic revolution, dynamic research and inventive training.”
In 1992, Glasser established the Community Dance Teachers Training Course (CDTTC), which continues today, although it has undergone several name changes and evolutions. It has provided a sense of continuity through meaningful choreographic and teaching methodologies that have produced teachers, professional dancers, choreographers and administrators steeped in South African cultural dynamics, traditions and aesthetics.
The first intake of seven in 1992 included David Thatanelo April, Moeketsi Koena and Vincent Sekwati Koko Mantsoe. In 1993, graduates included Gregory Vuyani Maqoma, Themba Nkabinde, Sello Motloung and Portia Lebogang Mashigo. Other prominent artists and dance-makers who started at MID include Shanell Winlock, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Thandazile Sonia Radebe, Luyanda Sidiya, Macaleni Muzi Shili, Oscar Buthelezi and Fana Tshabalala. MID’s current Artistic Director, Mandla Sunnyboy Motau, is a 2008 graduate. The list is endless and formidable.
Nadia Virasamy, CEO of MID, who has been with the company for the past 20 years, explains more about the work that happens there: “There is a tendency to look at MID and just see dance, but it is imperative to understand that dance is just the tool we use to empower, foster social cohesion, support community development and, importantly, drive socio-cultural and economic transformation and job creation. The impact of our projects can be seen in the fact that over the last eight years we have had a 70–92% industry placement rate – a massive accomplishment for an industry that is so small. Our graduates have established more than 30 dance and theatre companies, both nationally and internationally, which continue to operate, employing young artists and sending developing talent to MID for training.”
And yet, in 2026, MID finds itself unable to secure sufficient funding to keep its doors open. This is echoed by Board Chair Hilton Lawler:“MID has stood the test of time. However, we are at a ‘financial crossroads’ in supporting the organisation to continue making a difference in the creative space. This can be overcome through the strong commitment of the Board and staff, engagement with government, industry and the public, and our sheer determination to create opportunities for future leaders. Like many arts organisations, MID has survived on shoestring budgets and a keen focus on attracting income-generating performance work. Corporate funding was never restored post-COVID, and many arts funding bodies shifted their funding mandates, creating more complex barriers to accessing support. A multi-year grant from a funding body has fallen through due to restructuring, which has now affected the funding contract with MID.”
MID’s legacy is underpinned by authenticity, integrity and rigorous experimentation. It has shone a light and led the way through its strong social justice programme and its commitment to community as core to our identities as human beings. It has been a home to so many for almost 50 years. This company cannot be allowed to fade into the background.
MID has been honoured on international platforms for advancing the cause of democracy through dance and choreography; it would be a travesty to see it succumb to funding pressures under the same democracy it fought for.To help Moving into Dance you can donate here: Back a Buddy campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/sustaining-a-legacy-of-dance
