Bay dancer’s ‘Beyoncé fierce’ moves take flight to New York
Nthabiseng Chamisa has never had professional dance lessons but now she’s preparing to audition for Tyler Perry
She volunteers her time teaching children and leads the dance ministry at church — now Nthabiseng Chamisa’s “Beyoncé fierce” moves have landed her an opportunity in New York to audition for industry giant Tyler Perry.
The 26-year-old Gqeberha resident started dancing with the drummajorettes team when she was in preschool, but never went for professional dance lessons.
A little shy, she said she would just dance with her brother and cousin at home.
In 2018, she started taking it more seriously and would learn some moves from YouTube tutorials, and eventually went on to creating her own choreography.
In primary school, Chamisa knew she wanted to be in the entertainment industry, but by high school, the dream felt a little far-fetched.
“I started listening to my teachers and followed the accounting field.
“But more and more I started seeing dance as something I wanted to do for a living.
“My parents are supportive and very excited about my journey,” she said.
Having grown up in Pretoria, Chamisa moved to Gqeberha in 2017 for her studies, and as fate would have it, on the day she arrived in the Friendly City, she met her now husband, Tanaka, who is also her biggest cheerleader.
Chamisa’s life revolves around dance, church and giving back to her community.
She volunteers for Fit4Life, which focuses on teaching children sports, the arts and to read, as well as helping young adults with life after university.
There, she helps out by teaching primary school children how to dance.
“I am also part of the dance ministry at CRC Church Port Elizabeth.
“I lead it and choreograph some of the dances we do.
“And because of my love for children, I am also part of the Kids Church as I am truly passionate about shaping the next generation.”
Chamisa first stumbled upon the opportunity to go abroad with Art Africa in 2019, while scrolling through Instagram.
“I emailed them to audition in Gqeberha, but later let my anxiety get the better of me and pulled out.
“In 2023 I made the decision to take on any dance opportunity that comes my way, and as I was scrolling through Instagram again, their post for auditions in the city came up and I contacted them.
“This time around I took on the challenge and received a callback to dance in Sandton in front of European and American talent scouts.
“From there, I received a callback for the International Model & Talent Association New York.
“They are passionate about helping people make it in the entertainment industry.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity they have given me,” she said, beaming.
“I have never been out of the country before and I am just so excited that I get to go abroad because of my talent.
“A few years ago, I said ‘one day I’m going to travel the world because of my dancing’ and now here I am.
“There is truly power in what we say and speak into our lives.”
The hip-hop and Afrobeats dancer jets off in July and will be in New York for about nine days.
While a highlight was dancing for performing arts academy and corporate entertainment company Feet on Fire at the Savoy Theatre last year, Chamisa said she was incredibly grateful to be part of a church where she got to serve God through her dancing.
“Honestly, the church is where I have danced in front of the largest number of people.
“Obviously, dancing in Sandton last year in front of industry giants and people supporting us, including my amazing husband who was screaming at the top of his lungs, was a career highlight.”
Her advice to other aspiring dancers?
“Don’t be afraid to step into different spaces.
“Know what you want and what you stand for, and never go against what you believe in for an opportunity.
“You will find the right one that aligns with your values.
“Do not give up on your dreams, continue dancing and training and putting yourself out there through social media and attending dance classes — that is how I met people that are helping shape my career right now.
“And keep chasing your dreams — just because they are hard to reach does not mean they are impossible.”