Tough dance judge Tebogo Kgobokoe
Love or loathe her, Dancing with the Stars SA’s Tebogo Kgobokoe knows what she’s talking about. YOU catches up with the feisty dancer
SHE’S the tough-as-nails judge who brings some of South Africa’s biggest stars to tears every week – everyone from tough Lockdown actress Zola Nombona to funnyman Frank Opperman has trembled in trepidation in front of her.
Yet the self-proclaimed queen of dance is completely unapologetic about her nononsense stance when scoring celebrity contestants on Dancing with the Stars South Africa.
For Tebogo Kgobokoe it’s all about technique, technique, technique!
Growing up in Botswana she was always meticulous. As she puts it, “I did what I was supposed to do and on time.”
Huge doses of discipline coupled with her discerning eye for detail have helped Tebogo (43) become one of SA’s finest dancers – with an unbroken record. She’s the 10-time SA professional Latin and ballroom dancing champion and seventime SA professional Latin-American champion.
Tebogo gracefully struts down the lobby of the Southern Sun Hyde Park hotel when we meet for a catch-up. Dressed in a floral dress that shows off her toned body, she says it’s a privilege to be part of the show and lights up when discussing her fellow judges, Australian professional ballroom dance champion and choreographer Jason Gilkison, SA-born ninetime world Latin dance champion Bryan Watson and founding artistic director of the Cape Academy of Performing Arts Debbie Turner.
“When they say the crème de la crème – these are people who’ve worked very hard and are so well respected. I can’t even begin to tell you – they’re revered. And to be part of them, I’m like, ‘Damn!’ ”
She’s thrilled to be part of the show, Tebogo says, her posture perfect as she pauses to take a sip of water before continuing.
“I love that the show helps elevate the arts and dance in a spectacular and glamorous manner, which is what the entertainment and dance industry is about.”
Her being part of the judging panel means people are finally recognising her dancing feats, adds the coach, choreographer, international adjudicator and motivational speaker.
“I danced at a time in my career when it was really tough, when I wasn’t necessarily recognised as a champion, and I had a lot of horrible experiences.”
She prefers not to go
into detail but says being on the show is a reward for years of hard work. “When you’ve danced the two main championships, you’ve done a lot of things for the country and you don’t even get a ‘well done’ or ‘congratulations’ or anything of that sort.
“I feel like this is God giving me a pat on the shoulder for work well done. And saying, ‘We recognise you. You’re on our radar’,” she says with a smile.
THE reality show has been a hit with viewers and Tebogo believes it’s because it brings families together, giving people an opportunity to connect – whether they argue or laugh about their favourite contestants’ dancing skills or lack thereof.
“Often in some families mom is in the room while the kids are on their tablets and dad is at a meeting somewhere. I love that Dancing with the Stars creates that bond within a family,” Tebogo says, her voice soft but bold and clear.
Family is important to the mother of two, who was raised in Mahikeng by her father, Reverend Seroke Kgobokoe, and mother, Seabi, a former teacher and preschool inspector.
It was tough growing up with a pastor dad. The family moved to Botswana and her parents spent a lot of time serving the congregation. “But my mother is such a remarkable woman because she made sure we all felt loved equally,” Tebogo says.
Even though she has an older sister, Thapelo, Tebogo has always been the disciplined one among her five siblings.
“I used to make sure my sister’s hair was brushed and the house was cleaned. There was never a need to shout at me. I knew what to do and I did it.”
Tebogo’s parents raised them not to take anything for granted and encouraged them not to limit themselves. “Dancing wasn’t my first love, for instance. I wanted to be an accountant for the longest time and I actually studied at an accounting school for a while,” she reveals.
Her parents supported her when she changed her mind and she’s not the only one to have heeded their advice to dance to your own beat. “Our youngest sister, Tuelo, is a musician but she also studied law. “My brother, Tolamo, ran the biggest talent development programme, Expression, which is where people like Cassper Nyovest came from. He also plays the piano and he’s a farmer.”
Tebogo’s sister Tlamelo studied medicine but dropped out in her fifth year to pursue psychology. She then changed direction and studied education, and now works with children who have special needs.
“We’re that kind of family – it’s crazy stuff,” Tebogo says.
She’s proud of her siblings’ achievements but quickly points out neither she nor they are “super special”.
“Everyone has a little magic in them. It just all depends on who you have in your life. Everyone has opportunities laid before them – it’s not that God doesn’t bestow the blessings.
“We need to realise the blessings aren’t always wrapped in golden glittery packaging. Sometimes the blessing is someone in your life and the impact they have on it.”
WHEN she’s not spending time with her family or filming Dancing with the Stars SA, you’ll find Tebogo at her school, Tebogo Kgobokoe Arts Academy (TKAA), in Hartbeespoort, north of Joburg.
The arts activist founded the specialised school two years ago to develop artistically talented students. TKAA has rigid academic standards from the international Cambridge curriculum and offers five compulsory dance styles examined by international dance bodies.
According to the school’s website, this allows a seamless transition into the international dance and education arena for students as they exit with worldrecognised qualifications.
Tebogo’s sons, Kemo (10) and Motheo (6), are both learners at the school.
The single mom says having children made her understand her parents better. “My dad was very strict and I suppose that was because he was scared for us. And even though he’s a lot calmer and quieter now with his grandkids I sometimes get scared for my boys as well.
“But I don’t allow that fear to cripple their growth and their lives. I’ve learnt to dim my anxiety.”
Raising two boys is certainly not an easy task, Tebogo says.
“I sometimes look at them as if they’re aliens,” she adds with a laugh.
“But one thing’s for sure: having children forces you to look at life differently. Their perspective on life is so innocent and as a parent you get to see all the beauty you’d otherwise have missed.”
If there’s one thing she’d like to teach her students it’s that nothing is impossible. Tebogo hopes young black dancers are proud when they watch her on Dancing with the Stars South Africa, but more importantly, “that they see the possibilities for themselves and realise ‘if she can get there, so can I’.”
And with that it’s time for her to get back to class. Although she’s as stern as they come on the small screen, in person she’s warm and leans in for a hug. There’s an endearing twinkle in her eyes and a playful smile dancing around the corners of her mouth.
But then Tebogo the teacher is back – she’s as strict at school as she is on the show and she doesn’t want to keep her eager students waiting.
‘Everyone has magic in them. It all depends on who you have in your life’