What genres of dance do you specialize in and/or enjoy dancing?
Being trained in the classical and contemporary techniques I have
performed many styles of dance extensively from classical ballets to modern
dance hip hop and even the salsa at some point as versatility is now the key
word in dance. ..You have to be able to do it all. Although I have performed
many genres of dance my heart lies in contemporary dance. 'The realness of
the movement' is what captured me. I also like to incorporate rope work into
my choreography. I love the way I get separated from earth, it’s as if I can fly,
but not just like jumping. I am in control of the rope and I am in control of
gravity.
On average, how often do you perform in shows a month?
Performances varied for me as I danced in different professional companies so
they could go from 10-35 in a month depending on type of show
or season being presented.
Can you give us any stories about your training or interesting
experiences you have had in your career?
I have been a founding member of four dance companies
in South Africa, have been commissioned to create
work on several dance companies in South Africa
and abroad and was nominated as most
outstanding dancer (national award) in 2008. I have since performed all over
the world and worked with France’s forefather of contemporary dance
Redha Benteifour in Paris before settling down in Toulouse to start a family.
I am currently the founder/director of jiving juniors and Pilates in English here in
Toulouse and am about to launch a solo dance career in March as I premiere my first solo work at the state theatre in South Africa.
Would you suggest dancing professionally as a career? If so what advice can you give to youngsters out there who want to pursue dance late in life?
If you are passionate about dance and would like to become a pro dancer keep pushing and believing-never give up because with persistence and hard work anything is possible.
...
Mari-Louise Basson
Jiving Juniors teacher of creative dance exercise for children in Toulouse.
Joss Harris
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