When her mother took her to dancing classes when she was just three years old, she had no idea that her daughter would become a force to be reckoned with in the dance industry.
Ms Khensani Mathebula said dance has always been her passion.
“My mom, Mrs Connie Mathebula, always wanted her children to be involved in extramural activities and I found myself falling in love with dancing,” she said.
It was in 2010, while she was in grade 12, that her life changed.
“I attended a Horton dance course under the instruction of my teacher Ms Laraine Rabin. There I was spotted by American guest Ms Anna Marie Forsythe, who at the time was the director of the Fordham Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programme at the Ailey School in New York, the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It is one of the most acclaimed modern dance companies in the world. Similarly, the school is a prestigious and exemplary dance centre to train under numerous dance legends,” said Ms Mathebula.
Born in Kempton Park and raised in Bedfordview, Ms Mathebula said she applied for the programme and was admitted in 2011.
“The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Sector of Education & Training (CATHSSETA) in Johannesburg funded me to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. I graduated from the programme in 2015. I am now a professional dancer with the Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, which is an established company in its 44th year,” she said.
Ms Mathebula also works as an independent choreographer commissioning dancers, managing rehearsals and presenting her work at festivals around New York city.
She said she is working to strengthen the connection between South Africa and New York in the dance world and to share the feel and sound of Jozi in her choreography.
“It is amazing to be living my dream. I have no doubt I will continue to thrive here in New York, before going home in the future to give back,” said Ms Mathebula.
