In the world of dance, young female choreographers led the creative process, heading teams of dancers, artistic directors and coordinators. They developed original pieces inspired by their roots and rich mining history, which has long brought workers from different provinces, weaving diverse traditions into a cultural blend.
The Basadi Dance Festival lit up North West and turned community venues into stages for powerful cultural expression and social change. Organised by Setso Arts Heritage and Culture, a youth-driven NPC, the festival brought together artists from diverse backgrounds including Batswana, Basotho, Xhosa and Zulu communities to fuse traditional dances like Setapa, Mohobelo, Umxhentso and Indlamu.
Funded by the National Arts Council as part of its annual projects, the choreography tackled challenging social issues such as domestic violence, discrimination and abuse, using dance to promote dialogue, healing and the spirit of Ubuntu. At its heart, Basadi festival empowers young artists, particularly unemployed youth, young women and people living with disabilities. It offers platforms for creativity, performance and professional growth. Inclusion is key and opportunities are open regardless of language and background.
According to Setso Arts Heritage and Culture, this project makes it easier to uncover and nurture hidden talent, especially for women who are underrepresented in choreography. By creating supportive spaces, the initiative champions “The magic in female friendships” and women uplifting one another in the arts. With the festival now over, its legacy lives on and has shown that dance can be more than entertainment but a vital tool for empowerment and unity in South Africa’s arts sector.
Should you wish to support the Basadi festival, please contact them using the details below:
