Top dancers take on exciting challenge
NOW in its 26th year, the popular glittering dance extravaganza Shall We Dance returns to the Playhouse Opera from September 7-16. Showcasing close to 100 of KZN’s most exciting dancers from the region’s top dance studios, the production features various styles of ballroom, Latin American, hip hop, belly dancing, Bollywood and more.
Having been a part of the Shall We Dance family for years, Durban dancer Siya Mteshana said he began dancing when he was in high school and hasn’t stopped since then.
He’s been part of the production for 12 years: “I’m always meeting new people through the show and the production is unbelievable. It’s an unreal experience.”
The talented dancer, who works in retail, is also a club DJ with a love for dance. He’s been involved in a mixture of dance genres but he specialises in Latin American. “It will be the second time that I will be involved in the ballroom dances. It’s been fun but it’s also been challenging. There are certain steps I struggle with but I’m getting the hang of it.”
A wide variety of dancers across the province and international acts join the local stage annually.
Mteshana says the atmosphere and energy on the night of the performance is always something to look forward to.
“There are definitely a lot of nerves on the opening night. But once it’s over, then you can see the calmness and the enjoyment and the energy is unreal,” he said.
The featured couples this year include Danish Nikolaj Lund and Polish Marta Kocik performing ballroom and Latin. They will make their first appearance at Shall We Dance and in South Africa. Durban dance duo Statik will perform their high-energy, rapid-fire show dance style while Gerhard van Rooyen is back for the fourth time and will be joined by Moldavian athlete Ecaterina Jeleznii for the first time.
Shall We Dance began in 1991 and is one of the longest annual productions in Durban. It is presented by The Playhouse Company in association with the SA Dance Teachers Association and is produced and directed by Neville Letard and Caryl Cusens.