Buru Isaac Mohlabane Artist support
The CN D is providing Buru Isaac Mohlabane with tailor-made support as part of his project to set up a dance academy in Johannesburg (South Africa).
The CN D is Buru Isaac Mohlabane's privileged partner in France, helping to put the artist in contact with various partners, hosting workshops and providing him with the resources and expertise of the CN D that may be useful in carrying out his project.
At the same time, the CN D acts as a link between Buru Isaac Mohlabane and several choreographic organisation in France: the CCNs in Rennes and Rillieux-la-Pape, the Gymnase CDCN in Roubaix and higher education institutions specialized in dance such as the CNSMD Lyon and the École Nationale de Danse de Marseille.
With the support of the partners, Buru Isaac Mohlabane is invited to meet stakeholders of the choreographic sector and artists, to take part in working and mentoring sessions with the teams of the various partner venues. Buru Isaac Mohlabane is also invited to lead workshops with professional, student and amateur dancers,
Through these actions, the CN D wishes to support Buru Isaac Mohlabane in his project to develop and structure a dance academy in South Africa, which is an unprecedented initiative in a country where no professional training currently exists.
Buru Isaac Mohlabane
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.
Through his work, Buru emphasizes the importance of collaboration, art's social impact, and its ability to unite communities. His highlights include directing productions like Inkululeko and Via Kanana, which brought Pantsula to a global audience. Dedicated to the formalization of Pantsula as a professional dance, Buru envisions it as a globally respected form that preserves its cultural roots while evolving to embrace therapeutic and inclusive values, offering a healing and expressive space for all.
Workshops
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.
— 20 > 23.01
CN D in Pantin
Workshops with professionals dancers
— 2 > 9.02
ENDM - École nationale de danse de Marseille
Workshop with students
— 6 > 13.04
CCNR- Centre chorégraphique national de Rillieux-la-pape in partnership with CN D in Lyon
Workshop with professionals dancers
— 13 > 20.04
CNSMDL - Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Lyon
Workshop with students
— 20 > 27.04
CCNRB - Centre chorégraphique nationale de Rennes et de Bretagne
Workshops with professionals dancers / workshops with amateurs
— 8 > 15.06
Le Gymnase - Centre de développement chorégraphique national de Roubaix / Hauts de France
Workshops with professionals dancers / workshops with amateurs
Supports
The project receives exceptional support from the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Culture as part of its efforts to support the internationalisation of public institutions.