Blog - Updates & Resources
Stay in the Know about Dance
Our industry is always buzzing with news and updates, and as part of our services We're pleased to share some of the most relevant articles and posts. Stay tuned for more and contact us with any questions or remarks.
The Importance of Creative Arts Education: Skills for Success in Any Profession
January 23, 2023
Recently, I had a conversation with some high school grade 8 students about the importance of the creative arts in their education. They were privileged to have a center at their school dedicated to choir, singing, instruments, dancing, drama, digital tools, and more. I asked them why they thought the school felt it was important to have such a center.
We spoke about the different types of careers they were interested in pursuing in the future, such as lawyers, business owners, doctors, and veterinarians. As we talked, we began to see the parallels between the creative arts subjects and how they could develop skills that would be useful in these careers.
One of the students mentioned how they would need to think on their feet and be creative in their arguments if they were a lawyer. Another student mentioned how they would need to come up with fresh ideas as an engineer or doctor. They also acknowledged that subjects such as math and science develop the left side of the brain, but the creative arts subjects help to develop the right side as well.
We discussed how the positive aspects of drama, such as public speaking and stage presence, would be beneficial for any profession that involves presenting ideas or communicating with others. Dancing can help to develop self-awareness and body language, which can be useful in any profession where one needs to express themselves physically. And singing can help to develop the ability to adapt and change to a certain audience, which can be useful in any profession that involves communicating with others.
It was a very fruitful discussion, and the students were able to understand that the creative arts are not just for those who want to pursue careers in the arts, but for anyone who wants to be successful in any profession. They realized that the skills they develop through drama, music, and dance, such as public speaking, problem-solving, self-awareness, and discipline, are valuable for anyone who wants to succeed in their chosen field. They realized that these subjects help to develop the whole person, not just the left side of the brain but also the right side, making sure that they are well-rounded and prepared for the future.
Overall, it was a great reminder of the importance of the creative arts in education and how they can benefit us in our future careers, even if they may not be directly related to the creative field. The creative arts are essential in developing the whole person, and it was a pleasure to have this conversation with the next generation and to hear their thoughts on the matter.
Article by:
Quintus Jansen
AMAPIANO Dance Development
January 16, 2023
Amapiano dance, also known as “Piano” is a music and dance genre that originated in South Africa, specifically in the townships of Johannesburg. The genre emerged in the late 2010s and has since become a cultural phenomenon in the country, and even internationally.
The Amapiano sound is characterized by its use of piano melodies, deep basslines, and a mix of house and kwaito beats. The dance style associated with Amapiano is equally unique, with fluid, sensual movements that often involve subtle hip and shoulder actions.
The origins of Amapiano can be traced back to the late 2010s, when a group of young producers began experimenting with new sounds and beats. These producers, including Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and others, blended traditional South African music styles with modern electronic beats to create a new genre that quickly caught on with audiences.
Amapiano quickly became popular in South Africa's townships, and quickly spread to the rest of the country. The genre's popularity has been driven in part by its use of traditional South African instruments and rhythms, which has helped to connect it with a wider audience.
The Amapiano dance style is also unique and different than other South African dances. It's characterized by a sensual and fluid movement, with subtle hip and shoulder actions. Dancers often move in a slow and smooth way, making it easy for anyone to pick up and dance to the music.
As Amapiano continues to evolve and gain popularity, it has also begun to influence other genres of music and dance. It's becoming increasingly common to hear elements of Amapiano in other styles of music such as house and kwaito, and the Amapiano dance style is also starting to be incorporated into other dance styles.
In conclusion, Amapiano Dance is a unique and exciting genre that has quickly become a cultural phenomenon in South Africa. With its blend of traditional South African music styles and modern electronic beats, Amapiano has gained a wide audience and continues to evolve and influence other genres of music and dance. The dance style associated with Amapiano is equally unique, with fluid, sensual movements that often involve subtle hip and shoulder actions. It's a dance style that is easy to pick up and perfect for any occasion.
In 2022, the Owner of Dance Culture Studios, Quintus Jansen, directed and project managed the setting of an official Guiness World Record for the largest synchronised dance ever, in Amapiano dance.
There is a pandemic besides Covid-19 in South Africa. Gender Based Violence - or GBV.
March 10, 2022
There are many socio-economical reasons for this but I’m not an expert, so I won’t comment. With the movement called #MenAreTrash or #AllMenAreTrash, women are calling out men (especially the #MeToo movement) and saying that we are all responsible for what other men do; if it’s truly a pandemic, then we should all know someone who does it and therefore, we can address it as well as speak out and act against it.
What I’ve decided is that I will contribute to a more positive narrative around this and that I will actively do something in my area of influence to combat this scourge on our society.
One of my major areas of influence is the Dance Industry.
Not only was I a dancer for decades, but I also teach and choreography dance and run a dance studio - with other males influenced by me. Not as many males as I would like, mind you, but every one of them is special to me. I see every student (and teacher) as my offspring and try to be a positive role model to them at all times. We speak about these ‘taboo’ topics and we address them head on because I believe that things that are hidden or secret are not always positive. So, we bring them into the light and we discuss them openly.
There is a stigma attached to males dancing. It is thought that boys or men who dance are effeminate. That is entirely untrue. Creativity and expression should not be confused with sexuality. Throughout human history, men AND women have expressed themselves physically through dance. Men can move with women and experience a moment, a connection, a dance and enjoy it - without it becoming a sexual expression. Touch is one of our senses. Dancing engages not only touch when dancing with another person, but sight, hearing - but smell should perhaps be left off the dance floor - unless it’s a lovely fragrance. I will not comment on taste…
Modern society has given couple dancing a ‘bad rep’ to some degree. Just a few decades ago in South Africa we had dance parties - where gentlemen and ladies dressed up and cavorted with each other in the age-old tradition of seduction. There are countless movies and references to reference if you need proof thereof. In my opinion, we need to get back to those days - where we can train up young boys and men to enjoy what the body can do in a fun, respectful way. And, by extension, enjoy what the opposite gender can do with their bodies - without sexualising it.
All cultures have both men and women dancing, but there is nothing quite like couple dancing. There is almost an ethereal experience when all stars align and you dance with a great partner. Nothing compares to a moment shared on the dance floor. To this day, in many cultures, couple dancing is an art form like no other: think of Salsa, Argentine Tango, Kizomba, Ballroom, Sokkie…
Who doesn’t appreciate Antonio Banderas doing a sensual and passionate Tango in the movie Take The Lead or get mesmerised by Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez doing the Waltz in Shall We Dance? Derek Hough, as a Latin dance specialist, has become quite a revelation as a male dancer on Dancing With The Stars, USA and World Of Dance television series - don’t get lost on YouTube watching him move ;-)
What women wouldn’t love her guy to grab her and live out her fantasy of putting on music and dancing in the kitchen? Your grandparents probably did it…
To bring it closer to home and to reality, many parents nowadays don’t encourage their sons to dance. Why this is, is beyond me. They can do it for the social skills and interaction, the exercise, a means of expression, and for many other reasons. I know of few parents who wouldn’t want this for their boys (instead of staring at screens during their recreational time). As far as careers go, there are many men from South Africa who have gone on to be very successful in their dance work. Dance doesn’t have to be your career, mind you, but I am pointing out that it is a feasible and viable option. Male dancers from South Africa who have amazing careers are Gregory Nqoma (Contemporary), Andile Ndlovu (Ballet), Iain MacDonald (Ballet) to name but a few. From a Latin and Ballroom industry perspective, there are World Superstars from South Africa. Do yourself a favour and look up Johannes Radebe, Cameron Lombard, Keoikantse (Keo) Motsepe, Darren Hammond, Dylon Daniels and many more…
We will be featuring a Male Dancer on our social media channels over the coming weeks so watch out for some wonderful interviews and insights from our home grown talent.
I am looking forward to welcoming more boys and men into our studios this year because it is one way that I can make a difference to positively influence not only current culture, but the future generations. Come join us on this journey.
Thank you for reading, Quintus Jansen
An aid to remedying societal divides & the GBV pandemic…DANCE!
February 16, 2022
There are many socio-economical and patriarchal reasons for Gender-Based Violence, but I’m not an expert. Harsh movements have been necessary as women are calling out men and saying that we are all responsible for what other men do. If this is the case, this is then a pandemic and whether we want to admit it or not, it is our responsibility to speak and act against it.
What I’ve decided is that I will contribute to a more positive narrative around this and that I will actively do something in my area of influence to combat this scourge on our society.
One of my major areas of influence is the dance industry.
Not only was I a dancer for decades, but I also teach and choreograph dance and run a dance studio - with other males influenced by me. Not as many males as I would like, mind you, but every one of them is special to me. I see every student (and the teachers) as mentees and try to be a positive role model. We speak about these ‘taboo’ topics and we address them head-on because I believe that things that are hidden or secret are not always positive. So, we bring them into the light and we discuss them openly.
There is a stigma attached to men who dance. These stigmas vary from men who dance being “casanovas” or effeminate (this is strictly a problem for men who don’t want to be seen that way). Dance is creativity, expression, an art form, a sport and a career option. Throughout human history, men AND women have expressed themselves physically through dance. Men can move with women and experience a moment, a connection, a dance and enjoy it - without it becoming a sexual expression. Touch is one of our senses. Dancing engages not only touch when dancing with another person but sight and hearing - (I thought it better not to mention smell here, ask any dancer who has been dancing for a few hours haha).
Modern society has given “couple/partner dancing” a ‘bad rep’ to some degree. Just a few decades ago in South Africa, we had dance parties - where gentlemen and ladies dressed up and spent evenings in the age-old tradition of connection… dancing with the evening away with various partners. There are countless movies and references. In my opinion, we need to get back to those days - when we can train up young boys and men to enjoy physical movement in a fun, respectful way and by extension, enjoy women moving their bodies, without sexualising it.
All cultures have both men and women dancing, but there is nothing quite like couples dancing. There is almost an ethereal experience when all stars align and you dance with a great partner. Few things compare to a moment shared on the dance floor. To this day, in many cultures, couple dancing is an art form: think of Salsa, Argentine Tango, Kizomba, Ballroom, Sokkie…
Who doesn’t appreciate Antonio Banderas doing passionate Tango in the movie Take The Lead or hasn’t been mesmerised by Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez doing the Waltz in Shall We Dance? Derek Hough, as a Latin dance specialist, has become quite a sensation as a male dancer on Dancing With The Stars, USA and World Of Dance television series - don’t get lost on YouTube watching him move ;-).
What woman wouldn’t love her guy to grab her hand and live out the moment of putting on music and dancing in the kitchen? Your grandparents probably did it…
To bring it closer to home and to reality, these days parents don’t encourage their sons to dance. Why this is, is beyond me. Dance refines social skills and interaction; it’s a wonderful form of exercise, a means of expression and builds confidence amongst a number of other positive reasons. I know of so many parents who would want to balance out their kids being so enveloped in screen time with having these skills instilled in them intentionally.
As far as careers go, there are many men from South Africa who have gone on to be very successful in their dance work. Dance doesn’t have to be your career, mind you, but I am pointing out that it is a feasible and viable option whether it’s full time or part-time. Male dancers from South Africa who have amazing careers are Gregory Nqoma (Contemporary), Andile Ndlovu (Ballet), Iain MacDonald (Ballet) to name but a few. From the Latin and Ballroom industry, there are World Superstars from South Africa. Do yourself a favour and look up Johannes Radebe, Cameron Lombard, Keoikantse (Keo) Motsepe, Darren Hammond, Dylon Daniels and many more…
We will be featuring Male Dancers on our social media channels over the coming weeks so watch out for some wonderful interviews and insights from our homegrown talent.
I am looking forward to welcoming more boys and men into our studios this year because it is one way that I can make a difference to positively influence not only current culture but the future generations. Be swept away in this dance of intentionally instilling excellence in our boys and join us on this journey.
Written by: Quintus Jansen
Howcome dancers have such amazing bodies?
June 14, 2021
I often call dancers “Artistic Athletes”.
Why? Because that’s what they do and who they are.
Many of you wouldn’t know this but dance is officially classified as a sport - and rightly so. Dance is even a part of the Olympic Games now. Here’s the proof.
Unlike many other sports, dancers perform the most amazing feats but have to do it whilst making it look effortless - with a blasé look or even smiling. This is a far cry from the pained expressions of your track stars or other physically demanding sports; where a grimace is the staple mask of expression.
How do dancers get such amazing bodies? They train. Hard. For hours. Over years.
There is simply no shortcut to achieving a dancers body. But having an amazing body isn’t the goal. It is a residual effect of wanting to optimise the use of your tool of expression - your body - where if you can imagine a movement or feel the music, you want your body to be able to create that visual on demand.
Being a professional choreographer, I choose dancers who can bring my vision to life. And I’ve really imagined the most weird and wonderful things that dancers can do in performance using their bodies - and they never cease to amaze me.
How can you get a dancers body?
Well, the first step would be to start dancing - under professional, experienced and qualified guidance: like what we have at Dance Culture Studios (Humble brag - but factual 😉)
As with any (athletic) endeavour, an hour a week won’t cut it - if you want to see real change. A focussed effort is required and yes, pain comes part-and-parcel with it. But is is such a pleasurable pain because you don’t even feel what your body is doing. It’s fun!
But not everyone needs to pursue that level of dance. It should, first and foremost, be a release and an outlet for your emotional and creative expression. In fact, most people who dance treat it as such.
What style of dance would you need to do to get that dancers body?
A picture is worth a thousand words, they say. Below are pictures of dancers bodies according to their preferred style of dance. So it depends on your preference and aptitude. For example, if you want your jeans to fit nicely you wouldn’t go wrong with Kizomba. And have you SEEN Ballet dancers legs? Latin dancers have the most amazing back and arm muscles. But(t)(excuse the pun) don’t take my word for it: check the proof.
Entropy & Dance
June 11, 2021
Things are NOT back to normal
Entropy is when nature has a lack of order or predictabiity and where things gradually decline into disorder. It is a measure of of uncertainty or randomness. We have just surpassed a year of being in lockdown due to ‘the virus’. So much has changed and we have had to adapt to the perceived chaos that it has brought about. One thing that many people have connected with again, is their humanity. They started new hobbies and added more skills to their repetoire. Now, as adults, we have managed to deal with or, at least, accept a level of constant change, stress and unpredictability that is part-and-parcel with ‘adulting’. Some exercise, some search for an adrenaline rush, some have drinks, and others become reclusive and make the most of their solitude. Younger humans, have yet to explore what works for them as their coping mechanisms. I can’t speak for everyone but I can give a perspective on dance. As humans, we breathe, move & create as a part of our human-ness. By extension we make music, write, draw, paint and often, dance. Dance is a part of what makes us evolved human beings and it is accepted that the more advanced a civilisation is, the more of an appreciation for the arts it has. At Dance Culture Studios we take pride in having professional, qualified, experienced and world-class instruction. But the majority of people wanting to dance don’t want to be the best in the world - or even in Mzansi. They want to connect with themselves and others and learn to express themselves in an environment that is accepting and non-judgemental. We provide that too. Many people come dance after work to unwind and to de-stress from the pressures of life; Be it work, running a home, growing a business… I can give you many testimonials about how dance has helped young people. I could tell you about a girl who’s self-esteem was so low that she couldn’t look up and make eye contact. However, after a while, her posture straightened as her confidence increased to the point that she makes eye contact with confidence. Or, I could tell you about the boy who was classified as ADHD and called disruptive in class, but used his dance classes to release all his pent up creativity and energy. This impacted him so much that teachers noticed a marked improvement in his behaviour after only a few weeks. There are stories of how children ‘acted up’ after coming back to school after being (relatively) isolated for months while doing online schooling. But after learning how to have fun with friends in a safe, accepting, environment they dealt with that trauma and ‘danced out their frustrations’. There are countless more stories like these. Dance is one way to deal with entropy in the universe and we can see it as a negative occurs ce, but we can also choose to see it as nature trying to find its balance. Yes, we love good, quality dancing but there’s so much more to what we do. We connect and reconnect people to themselves and each other - and that’s beautiful to watch.
Selfish or Selfless?
May 11, 2021
Being a teacher of dance is definitely not one dimensional. You have to be an artist, a businessperson, a coach, a psychologist or a counsellor. You should be firm, yet fair; honest with critique and yet, encouraging and empathetic, courageous and compassionate. The list goes on.
But, as you know, one cannot drink from an empty well. Teachers cannot give what they do not have. They study countless dance videos, spend hours in dance classes, go to live performances, study business, read books and articles, speak to people and much more - all for the sake of becoming a better teacher. They do not do so for themselves, but for you, the student.
Never mind the actual hours working and preparing for those few classes or lessons with their protégés...
This isn’t “down time” for them. Rather, it should be seen as research and development. They need the time and inspiration to fill their wells. They need to be topped up so constantly so that you may drink and have your fill inspired by their their knowledge and passion.
When they send you dance videos to watch, recommend a movie or show or perhaps an article to read, comply.
Do what they ask. Please. All this is so that they can get the best out of you during your class.
They want you there early, warmed up, motivated and inspired - so that they can help you grow beyond what even you imagine. They expect the best from you because they see you at your best already.
Don’t go into your dance class wanting the teacher to do all this for you. When you think about it, they really aren’t there to remind you to warm you up, cheer you on or make you feel as though you’re progressing. These are all aspects you take onus for as the student.
What inspires your teachers more than anything else and encourages them to be the very best they can be? When they see your efforts to take their advice, your appreciation, your commitment to being your best and your passion. Do your bit to give them an encouraging word. You have no idea how much that drink, chocolate or small gesture positively impacts them (thank you to my amazing students who know I need the pick me up). Even better, when you arrive a bit earlier to warm up, or you've dance “homework”, or you arrive with excitement and great energy for your lesson, it makes all the difference in the world.
“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.” is a saying often used. Don’t have your blinkers on. Open your eyes to the wonderful beauty of dance that your teacher can show you. They know it -that’s why they have dedicated their lives to teach - to share what they have inside and what they have already experienced.
There is a higher purpose to dance.
April 11, 2021
Dance is woven into the very fabric of every culture. Each and every culture has some form of dance attributed to it. Think of: Scottish, Irish, Xhosa, Zulu, Khoi, Afrikaans, British, Russian, Indian, Chinese, etc nations and you’ll find that one key identity is by their physical expression through movement.
A culture is found in specific colours, clothing, music, language, but a definitive character of a ‘people’ is also defined through their dancing. One would be hard pressed to find a culture that does not have a particular dance style or form of movement attributed to them.
For many generations both men & women as well as boys and girls have learned ‘their’ dance - the movement of their people.
Dance helps to define identity. It is a means of expression. It tells their stories & it stores their history.
Like any language, body language included, one needs to learn the foundations that constitute its make up. Once that is established, then it becomes a personal expression of self. Whichever emotion that is felt - whether it be love, hate, confusion, anger or even peace - an outlet can be found through music and dance. Movement mesmerises and invites. It is the one of the most personal expression of art and tapping into ones higher self.
Some people express through painting or singing or by playing a musical instrument; and others express through dance. When words fail, action speaks. Movement can be the voice that you never had: the outlet that you never really explored. You can shout or you can whisper. It’s endless and is hardly ever the same. It’s individual: No matter how hard you try, dance is one art form that changes constantly. No two dancers, no matter how hard they try or train, move alike. Just like snowflakes or fingerprints, each one is unique and considered an original.
We sometimes forget the ‘soft’ elements of dance. Many train so hard to get the technique ‘right’ (if that is even possible), that they forgo the essence of life that dance gives. It’s a way to release any pent up emotions or trauma, to tell a story, to express a feeling or idea and can help to process them - without having to define them.
Dance takes many years to ‘perfect’. It takes discipline, dedication and devotion to achieve a high standard. But, ultimately, it reveals your true nature.
“You do not truly know someone until you fight them.” The Matrix
You do not truly know someone until you dance with them. There’s a connection that happens when you move with someone that is totally unique. You connect through eye contact, through energy or even spiritually. You ‘tune in’ to the other person. There’s nothing quite like it. Whether as a couple, small or large group, there’s definitely an intangible exchange of energy that is felt in rehearsals, classes and especially during performances. Dancing and expressing oneself is one thing; but sharing that with others is another thing completely.
If you can connect with someone truthfully and then express the music through you movement...wow. You would have transcended yourself. You’ve made yourself be strong, yet vulnerable; safe, yet exposed; find yourself or become something else entirely. This is the true essence, beauty and joy of dance.
So don’t just get by with a few rudimentary greetings, requests - or profanities of this language. Learn to fully immerse yourself in YOUR movement. To your PERSONAL music of choice. This, is freedom. This is DANCE.
Awareness and Being Present in Dance
March 11, 2021
Dancing is extremely personal. It’s one thing that you cannot delegate. Like exercising or learning, this is something that is done by you, for you.
Before you can dance, you need to know how to walk - Although dancing isn’t limited to people who can walk (wheelchair dancing for example).
Dancing is one of the few art-forms or creative endeavours that require us to turn into ourselves, away from the world, in order to have an out-of-body experience. Not many who dance get the privilege of attaining this Nirvana-like state. But one thing is for certain: You can get closer to it by becoming completely aware of the moment.
Once immersed into the music and movement, you enter a transcendent state and you feel your body move; but beyond that, you are completely conscious of the movement moving through your body. You feel the flow and you create with the current as it sweeps you along. Each experince of this differs. Sometimes it’s a raging river and other times it’s a gentle stream.
But one thing is for sure: You have to completely jump in and allow yourself the pleasure. Relinquish your need for control and trust your body to carry you; allow your vessel to take you on a journey.
People dance for various reasons: for exercise, to learn a skill, to show-off, to perform, to compete, to just create...
But ultimately, dance is an overflow of feeling. It is an expression: sometimes of the music, a story or even of self. But one has to become aware and tune into the music, envision the story, allow oneself to deeply feel the emotions. This is in essence what dance truly is.
Sometimes more experienced dancers lose their passion and they get lost along the way. But there is hope ahead. If you stop and listen to the rhythm of your heartbeat, feel the source of life coursing through your veins and relinquish your need to achieve, then perhaps you can re-ignite the flame. Be still, be aware and allow the dance to travel through you. Dance isn’t always about a destination.
Dance is a journey - so enjoy the ride and see where it takes you.
Make your Move.
February 11, 2021
This is our first communication of 2021...
...and it's with trepidation and curiosity that we embark on our journey together into the new year. As an industry, we've had to adapt and change our business models and how we teach and including, in studio, we've had to adhere to very strict protocols. The lockdown rules have, literally, taken our breath away (with having to wear masks while dancing) - but I like to think of it as 'high-altitude training';-). If anything, we will definitely be getting fitter.
Our hybrid business model is challenging, due to having to both in-person as well as Video classes. In my head I call it "ZOOManji" - because it's a jungle out there - with almost everything having an online aspect to it - and we've all experienced screen-fatigue at some point. But, we know that we aren't alone on this journey and that brings some sort of solace. We've managed to be quite innovative and have created some video projects, with more planned for 2021. You may view some of them on our Instagram Account. When we were allowed to have in-studio lessons and dance classes after the initial full lockdown, it was wonderful to see so many flocking back because they missed human interaction and the special feeling that is so unique to a dance studio - that distinctive "Energy In The Room". There's nothing quite like it. We've been adhering to all protocols quite strictly and are very pleased to note that to date, it’s been a safe space for everyone involved because everyone is playing their part. The feedback received from the dancers is that the dancing has been a life-line: it helped in facilitating some friendly interactions with dance family and it definitely assisted with the mental challenges that all the disruption has caused. For now, we're open for business and are accepting new enrolments. We value each and every member still dancing with us as it's been a rough road; so thank you for your support! Our Hip Hop and Street Dance classes are going strong and there are a few spaces open for Latin American lessons. Please spread the word and share our social media posts as our future dancers might just be on your timeline.