By Johnathan Paoli
Internationally acclaimed South African dancer and choreographer Dada Masilo has died. She was 39.
Masilo succumbed to a brief illness on Sunday, leaving behind what many have deemed an extraordinary legacy of transformative dance and storytelling.
Born on 21 February 1985, Masilo began her illustrious journey in the 1990s at the Dance Factory in Newtown, Johannesburg.
Her talent was evident early on, earning her an invitation to perform for Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands at just 11 years old.
After matriculating from the National School of the Arts in 2002, she furthered her skill at the Jazzart Dance Theatre and the Performing Arts Research and Training Studios in Brussels.
Masilo’s career was marked by her unique approach to reinterpreting classical ballets, with works such as Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet and Carmen imbued with African cultural narratives and bold critiques of societal norms.
Her 2016 Swan Lake was nominated for a Bessie Award in New York, while her 2017 Giselle won the Italian Danza and Danza Award for Best Performance.
In September 2024, she was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Premio Positano Léonide Massine for the Art of Dance.
Other notable recognitions include the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Dance in 2008 and the Netherlands’ Prince Claus Next Generation Award in 2018.
Masilo worked with luminaries such as William Kentridge, Gregory Maqoma and Albert Silindokuhle Ibokwe Khoza, and redefined contemporary dance in the country, blending European traditions with African motifs while spotlighting the strength and complexity of women in iconic narratives.
At the time of her passing, Masilo was developing an autobiographical solo piece exploring themes of loss.
Earlier this month, she was recognised as one of Johannesburg’s artistic icons with a star embedded at the Soweto Theatre.
The Masilo family has requested privacy as they navigate this tragic time.
Details on a memorial service will be announced in due course.
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