South African Dancer, Dada Masilo, Dies

Dada Masilo, the internationally acclaimed South African dancer and choreographer, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 39, following a brief illness. According to her cousin, she was admitted to have her womb removed, and afterwards, her organs began shutting down. She spent two weeks in the ICU, before succumbing to her illness.

Born on February 21, 1985, in Soweto, Masilo began her dance training at the Dance Factory in Johannesburg and further honed her skills at the National School of the Arts. She gained international recognition for her innovative reinterpretations of classical ballets, seamlessly blending African dance traditions with Western classics. Her groundbreaking works, such as “Swan Lake,” “Giselle,” and “The Sacrifice,” challenged traditional narratives and addressed contemporary social issues, including gender stereotypes and homophobia. 

Throughout her career, Masilo received numerous accolades, including the Standard Bank Young Artist Award in 2008 and the prestigious Positano Léonide Massine lifetime achievement award for classic and contemporary dance in September 2024. 

Her passing has left a significant void in the global dance community. Family spokesperson Bridget van Oerle remarked, “Deeply respectful of European and contemporary music traditions, but unafraid to go bare on stage and voice her own opinions, she effectively changed the shape and appearance of contemporary dance in South Africa.” 

Masilo’s fearless approach to dance and her commitment to exploring personal and societal narratives through her art have inspired countless artists and audiences worldwide. Her legacy will continue to influence the dance world for generations to come.

She is survived by her mother, Faith, and her extended family. Memorial services are being planned to honour her remarkable contributions to the arts.