FILE - South African dancer and choreographer Dada Masilo poses on Sept. 26, 2012, in Lyon, central France.
The South African and global dance community is mourning the loss of Dada Masilo, a trailblazing contemporary dancer and choreographer, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 39 after a brief illness.
Masilo, born in Soweto, was celebrated for her fearless approach to blending African dance with classic European ballet, creating a unique and powerful narrative style that resonated with audiences worldwide. Over a career spanning two decades, she redefined the boundaries of contemporary dance and brought attention to societal issues through her art.
Her family, represented by spokesperson Bridget van Oerle, described her as “a fearless rule-breaker” whose work paid homage to European dance traditions while unapologetically incorporating African elements to address themes of tolerance and identity.
A Celebrated Legacy
Masilo’s innovative reinterpretations of iconic ballets, including Swan Lake and Giselle, earned her global acclaim. Her 2016 rendition of Swan Lake was nominated for the prestigious New York Bessie Award, while her Giselle received Italy’s Danza and Danza Award for Best Performance in 2017.
In 2018, Masilo was honored with the Prince Claus Next Generation Award in the Netherlands, which praised her as an “extraordinary role model for young people, particularly girls.”
Most recently, she received the Positano Leonide Massine lifetime achievement award for classic and contemporary dance in September 2024, a testament to her profound impact on the global dance scene.
Tributes Pour In
The Joburg Ballet described Masilo as “a brilliant light” whose creativity as a choreographer and wisdom as a human being reshaped contemporary dance. Similarly, the University of Johannesburg’s arts department called her a “groundbreaking artist” whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
The U.K.-based Dance Consortium, which collaborated with Masilo on multiple tours, lamented the loss of her “extraordinary presence and stunning creations,” highlighting the impact of her artistry on audiences across the globe.
Artistic director Lliane Loots from the JOMBA! Dance Centre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal praised Masilo’s ability to meld classical ballet with the rhythms and histories of African dance, calling her work a bold and remarkable testament to her South African identity.
An Enduring Influence
Dada Masilo’s passing leaves a void in the world of contemporary dance, but her groundbreaking work will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike. Her contributions to the arts, both in South Africa and internationally, remain a powerful legacy of creativity, resilience, and cultural pride.
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