Could TikTok Be the Saviour of Dance?

Dance has always been more than just movement. It is the physical manifestation of who we are—our stories, identities, struggles, and celebrations. Across cultures and throughout history, people have danced to express what words could not contain.

Today, a 15-second video clip can connect a dancer in Soweto to one in Seoul. Could it be that a platform like TikTok, often criticised as shallow or trivial, is actually playing a vital role in the survival and revival of dance?

The Heartbeat of Culture

Every culture has its signature. Some express it through architecture, others through music or clothing, but dance has always been the heartbeat. From Zulu and Tswana traditional dances in South Africa to the haka performed by New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team, movement has anchored identity, pride, and belonging.

Here at home, dance opens national events, diplomatic occasions, and even corporate stages—reminding us that we are a country of many voices, bound together by rhythm. It is not mere decoration; it is a declaration of who we are.

The Evolution of Dance Roles

Historically, men and women have had distinct roles in dance—whether in African initiation rituals, European court dances, or Asian martial-inspired forms. But dance has always been more than performance; it is an outlet, a release. For men especially, it has provided a physical expression that is not violent but creative and connective.

Today, those distinctions blur. On TikTok, we see men and women, boys and girls, young and old, all participating in the same trends. Gendered lines fade, replaced by shared passion. This shift is not just playful; it is deeply human. It shows that physical movement remains one of the most honest ways we express identity and emotion.

The Global Dance Community

It is remarkable to scroll through TikTok and watch the same dance performed in Lagos, London, Los Angeles, and Lenasia. Children, grandparents, students, and celebrities—all learning the same steps, remixing them, and making them their own. What some dismiss as “broken telephone” is, in fact, evolution. Just as oral traditions shift when passed from one generation to the next, so too do dances adapt as they travel across borders.

More importantly, TikTok has made dance accessible to those who might never step into a studio. It builds confidence, sparks joy, and unites people who may never meet in person but share the same rhythm.

South Africa's Contribution to Global Trends

South Africa is not a spectator in this movement; we are contributors. Styles like Amapiano and Pantsula are influencing global trends, just as hip-hop did decades ago. Amapiano, born from Kwaito, has become a worldwide phenomenon, trending on social media platforms and celebrated in international clubs. Pantsula, once a township expression, now features on global stages.

These styles are not only entertainment; they are cultural exports—gifts from our communities to the world. And TikTok, for all its flaws, has given them a platform to be celebrated far beyond our borders.

Dance as a Unifying Force

One of the most powerful things about dance—whether on TikTok, in a studio, or on a competition stage—is how it breaks down barriers. At Dance Culture Studios, we often see dancers from kasi neighbourhoods moving alongside those from secure estates, each learning from the other, united by passion. For some, dance is aspirational; for others, it is relational. For all, it is transformational.

Dance is proof that rhythm can unify where words sometimes divide.

The Debate on TikTok's Impact

Critics argue that TikTok cheapens dance, reducing it to fads and fragments. But what if the opposite is true? What if TikTok, in making dance visible and accessible to millions, is not diminishing it but advancing it?

After all, dance thrives when it is shared, adapted, and passed on. Never before in history has there been a platform that lets a single movement ripple from Johannesburg to Jakarta to Jamaica in a matter of hours.

Conclusion: The Future of Dance

So, the question remains: could TikTok be the saviour of dance? As we continue to explore this dynamic landscape, it is essential to embrace the changes and innovations that platforms like TikTok bring to the art form.

At Dance Culture Studios, we believe in nurturing talent and fostering creativity. We invite you to join us in this exciting journey. Whether you are a dancer or a parent seeking the best for your child, we are here to support you.

Connect with us on our social media platforms, and let’s spark a conversation about the future of dance together.

For more information about our programs, please visit our website. We look forward to welcoming you to our dance family!