Amputee contemporary dancer Musa Motha is taking British audience by storm while making history.
Motha went from being a typical street dancer in the township of Sebokeng to become a professional contemporary dancer.
After delivering a mind-blowing performance at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, during Cion, a dance show by Gregory Maqoma, he reveals that he has landed a job at one of the popular British companies, Ballet Rambert.
When the season of Cion ended, Motha flew to the UK in February to begin a new journey in his career.
The professional dancer is back in the country just for a two-week break before he rejoins his fellow dancers for a show called Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby that opens on January 3.
The show is set to tour UK, America and France.
Speaking to Time Out, Motha says he believes the international opportunity came at the right time. He said he felt he has achieved everything in SA and was looking for new a challenge.
“I have imagined this happening. It is more of a universal force of gravity.
“I never thought I will learn ballet and yoga. It came at the right time. Just by being here I have met new people, made new connections and have new energy,” he shares.
After landing a job in the UK-based company, Motha did not waste time and was getting involved in the company’s two productions and showing them what he is made off.
The first production opened in May titled Eye Candy, followed by Peaky Blunders.
According to Motha, the UK opportunity came last year when an artistic director of the company contacted him through social media.
What followed was him going to UK for an audition and when the directors were impressed, they signed him.
The dancer who studied contemporary dance at Vuyani Dance Company in 2018 said moving to UK has actually exposed him to a lot.
“So far so good, 2022 has been good to me because I have achieved a lot more than I had bargained for. This is a great platform for me and I see myself growing. I am in a process of inventing ballet for amputees.
“Hopefully I will be the first one to come up with the idea. I am also doing yoga, creating a safe space for other amputees. I am basically paving the way for those who will come after me.”
Since he landed in Britain, Motha has been impressed with the standard of dance and level of respect afforded to dance professionals.
The young dancer cannot stop bragging about the support he gets from audiences.
“Dance is taken seriously and dancers are treated professionally. Dancers here went to universities and colleges to become professional dancers. The art form on its own is very supported. I don’t remember that we performed with only half an audience attendance. It is always a full house and that is the difference and level of respect it is accorded.
Motha was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancer that affected the bones in his left leg at a young age. But he never allowed it to stop him from pursuing his dreams.
bambalelep@sowetan.co.za
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