Remembering Dada Masilo, A Trailblazer Who Reimagined Dance

The world of dance is in mourning following the untimely passing of Dada Masilo, an internationally renowned South African dancer and choreographer, who died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 39. Her family shared that her passing came unexpectedly after a brief illness, leaving an indelible void in the global dance community.

Born on February 21, 1985, in Soweto, Dikeledi “Dada” Masilo grew up during South Africa’s transformative era, as the country emerged from apartheid into democracy. Raised by her mother, Faith, and her grandmother, Masilo’s introduction to dance began at the age of 10 with a community group, the Peacemakers. This initiative was aimed at keeping young children off the streets and ignited a passion in Masilo that would define her life.

Her formal training began at Johannesburg’s Dance Factory and later at the National School of the Arts, where she studied ballet and contemporary dance. Against the wishes of her family, who envisioned a more conventional career path for her, Masilo pursued her dream with relentless determination. She gained international recognition after being accepted into P.A.R.T.S., the prestigious Brussels-based school founded by choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker.

It was during her time at P.A.R.T.S. that Masilo choreographed her first major solo, inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns’s “The Dying Swan.” Dedicated to her late aunt, the work signaled Masilo’s lifelong commitment to exploring personal and societal narratives through her art.

Dada Masilo was celebrated for her fearless reinvention of classical ballet. She intertwined African dance traditions with Western classics, producing works that were bold, provocative, and deeply resonant. From her groundbreaking reinterpretation of “Swan Lake,” which challenged gender stereotypes and explored themes of homophobia, to “Giselle,” a fusion of African and contemporary dance, Masilo’s choreography transformed ballet into a vehicle for social commentary.

Her works didn’t merely entertain; they provoked conversations about pressing issues, from race relations to domestic violence. As she once said, “I don’t just want to be a body in space. I want to open up conversations about realities at home.”

Masilo’s innovative contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Positano Léonide Massine lifetime achievement award for dance in 2024, the Prince Claus “Next Generation” award in 2018, and a New York Bessie Award nomination in 2016.

Masilo’s artistry resonated worldwide. She performed to critical acclaim on stages from Johannesburg to New York, with her works becoming a cornerstone for contemporary dance globally. In addition to her independent creations, she collaborated with luminaries like William Kentridge, further expanding her artistic reach.

In her final years, Masilo created “The Sacrifice,” a reimagined interpretation of Pina Bausch’s “The Rite of Spring,” blending traditional Tswana dances with themes of ritual and sacrifice. She was also working on an autobiographical piece about loss, a poignant project left incomplete at the time of her passing.

In December 2024, just weeks before her death, Masilo received a star embedded in the wall of the Soweto Theatre in recognition of her profound contributions to the arts. She accepted the honor surrounded by her nieces, reflecting on her journey and the loved ones who inspired her.

Dada Masilo’s life was a testament to the power of artistry to challenge norms and bridge cultural divides. Her fearless spirit and innovative approach reshaped contemporary dance, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come. As her colleagues at the Joburg Ballet aptly stated, “A brilliant light has been extinguished, but her creative force will forever illuminate the path for others.”

Main image source: The artist's Facebook page.