SEBOKENG. –
It is the dance that goes beyond the moves and has entertained South Africans for decades! The Pantsula dance is synonymous with township culture and a group of talented dancers in Kanana are planning to take this historical form of art to new heights.
Formed in June last year, the Tornado Pantsula Dancers have been performing at various local events and dance shows. Recently, they blew the crowds away at an event hosted by the Sebokeng SAPS Youth Desk recently. Two members of the group, Steve Vhelembo and Jaco Mahlong say that they will never turn to crime as they prefer to preoccupy themselves with doing something they enjoy: entertaining audiences with their dance routines
We are currently based in Sebokeng, but we would like develop this organization into something bigger, says Vhelembo. Mahlong adds that Pantsula dancing requires a lot of rehearsing time before the act can be taken on the road. Pantsula dance was born in the townships of South Africa in the 1950s.
Originally referring to a fashion style, it soon evolved into a cultural expression and later into a dance form. By the 1980s, when the townships were aflame and war had broken out between the Apartheid police and the young men in the area, Pantsula dance was an expression of art and release of tension for many. The culture of Pantsula was commonly associated with (gangsters) in the sixties and seventies, but has recently become a means of employment for many young men who have otherwise had little support. Through funding from different agencies including government departments, more and more young people are making a living through dance.
Source: vaalweekly.com