The dancer, choreographer and co-director of South African company Via Katlehong will lead a four-day Spring Camp around Pantsula.

Pantsula My Word is a movement of change, a drive for transformative inclusion in dance as an industry. With these workshops we get an immersive experience designed to introduce participants to the vibrant and culturally significant South African dance form, Pantsula. Here we explore rich history, unique techniques and social impact of Pantsula, while engaging in hands-on training, discussions and collaborative choreography session.

The aim is to familiarize participants with Pantsula’s deep roots in the townships, where it emerged as an expression of resistance, hope, and social justice, and to begin formalizing its movements into a recognized dance technique. Participants will receive professional training in Pantsula’s foundational movements and terminologies, as well as explore the significance of rhythm and music in the dance, collaboratively developing dance routines that embody the dynamic style of Pantsula.

Biography

Buru Isaac Mohlabane, born in 1983 in Katlehong, South Africa, is a highly regarded Pantsula dancer, choreographer, and co-director of the Via Katlehong dance company. Beginning his professional journey at 14, Buru has spent over 24 years committed to the advancement and recognition of Pantsula, a South African dance form rooted in township culture and social unity. His career is marked by international performances, educational workshops, and cultural exchange programs, showcasing Pantsula as an art form of resilience and expression.