SA: Tebza to host pantsula workshop

The workshop seeks to educate viewers on the origins of pantsula, a highly-energy dance from that originated in the townships of South Africa during the apartheid era. Pantsula developed into a form of social commentary for black South Africans and has undergone several transformations with changing political tides in the country. 

It developed from the Sotho dances of mqaquanga and marabi, with influence from the 'hoofers' of American jazz. Later evolutions of pantsula dancing in the 1980s were influenced by American hip hop and breakdancing. Pantsula was later incorporated into the aesthetics of hits like TKZee's 'Dlala Mapantsula', 'Tswaka' by HHP and 'Sisonke' by Kakappa.

“People should expect to sweat a lot,” Tebza said. “Jokes! I will be sharing an important knowledge regarding the pantsula dance during the workshop and I am excited to have dancers and enthusiasts around the world join in.”

Following his regional Dance Your Style triumph, which took him to the world finals in Paris, France, Tebza has been putting pantsula dancing and South Africa on the global map by hosting online classes for international students. He also teaches choreography from his Soweto dance school. He was also in the top 25 of the the South African edition of So You Think You Can Dance, and worked as an assistant choreographer on the show.