Dance as a powerful act of resistance in South Africa

However, in South Africa and many parts of Africa, dance transcends mere aesthetics, embodying deeply felt body politics. The dancing body in this context is not neutral but carries intersectional gendered, racialized, and ableist histories. Dance becomes a practice of presence, insisting on occupying space and being seen, which is significant in a society marked by inequality.

For women, in particular, dancing is an act of resistance against pervasive gender-based violence, asserting autonomy and refusing to be reduced to victim status. It challenges narratives that position women as vulnerable, declaring their presence and refusal to shrink themselves. While not a solution to systemic violence, dance can shift perceptions and challenge existing norms.

The politics of dance in South Africa are also shaped by legacies of colonialism, racism, patriarchy, and ableism, which influence what is recognized and funded within the dance sector. Despite a rich history of contemporary dance, ballet often remains the benchmark, while indigenous dance techniques are marginalized. Dancers with disabilities are frequently relegated to therapeutic contexts, with their professional status overlooked.

Decolonizing dance involves dismantling these hierarchies, reconsidering whose knowledge and movement vocabularies are valued, and addressing histori