Dance is spiritual. Its an embodied response to internal conversations. In the performative sense and within contemporary dance, this quality often occurs where spontaneity takes over from technique or when rhythmic choreographic immersion results in extended trance-like moments.
It is as the legendary dancer-choreographer and teacher Vincent Mantsoe has said of his dance approach and process The body can divide itself into different dimensions. It can expand, yet I can stay grounded and know exactly where I have to go and when to stop. I dance, first and foremost, for my ancestors.
For Cape Town-based young dancer-choreographer Yaseen Manuel its about celebrating the many colours of his dance that create a fusion and common ground between his spirituality, art and politics. Manuels access to his Muslim South African history, which intersects his personal and political dance storytelling, makes him an exceptional voice in dance.
