In the humble backyard of his childhood home in Katlehong, a township in South Africa, Thato Qofela first danced to the rhythm of ‘Pantsula’. This vibrant, quick-stepping dance style, born amid the oppressive apartheid regime, served as an expressive tool of resistance for the Black South African community. Today, Qofela is at the forefront of reviving and propelling Pantsula onto the global stage.
Pantsula emerged from the lived experiences of Black youths in South African townships during the harsh years of racial segregation that lasted until 1994. The dance encapsulated their social and political expression, offering a means to resist the oppressive system. The choreography, characterized by its intricate, syncopated steps mimicking everyday activities such as sweeping, playing dice, or saluting, subtly depicted the reality of Black South Africans. Furthermore, it ingeniously provided a secret language to communicate messages inaccessible to the state police.
Although Pantsula permeated South African society, cutting across racial lines, it experienced a period of decline as modern dance forms took the spotlight. In response to this, Qofela’s dance troupe, Via Katlehong, has taken up the mantle to rejuvenate the dance style and introduce it to a global audience with performances in countries like France, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
For Qofela, now aged 34, Pantsula offered more than just artistic expression. As a young boy growing up amidst frequent riots against the apartheid government in Katlehong, the dance served as a diversion, a means of staying away from potential pitfalls like drugs or crime. It was the lure of his brother’s backyard Pantsula rehearsals that kept him anchored.
Thulisile Binda, another member of Via Katlehong, also found solace in Pantsula. The 33-year-old dancer speaks of a healing power that the dance imbues, helping her navigate life’s adversities.
Back at home, Via Katlehong’s efforts are starting to gain recognition. Local audience member, Lethabo Xulu, perceives the troupe’s performances as a potent avenue to address societal issues. She sees Via Katlehong as a platform providing solutions to the profound challenges birthed by a shared, tumultuous history.
With a blend of commitment and passion, the dance troupe Via Katlehong is not only reinvigorating the Pantsula dance form but also reviving its spirit of resilience and hope, enabling it to resonate with audiences around the world.
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