Dada Masilo, a prominent South African dancer and choreographer, passed away on Sunday in Johannesburg at the age of 39. Her death was confirmed by a family spokeswoman, who stated that it was unexpected and followed a brief illness.
Masilo was renowned for her innovative approach to classical ballets, incorporating African dance elements into works such as “Swan Lake” and “Giselle.” Her unique interpretations of classic narratives, including “Romeo and Juliet,” “Carmen,” and “Hamlet,” garnered critical acclaim and captivated audiences both in South Africa and internationally.
In a 2014 interview, Masilo reflected on the challenges of merging African dance with ballet, stating, “In the beginning, I battled just to make them speak to each other.” Her notable work included a reimagined version of “Swan Lake,” where she aimed to challenge gender stereotypes by presenting a same-sex love story.
Masilo sought to address pressing social issues through her choreography, including homophobia and domestic violence. She stated in a 2016 interview, “I want to open up conversations about issues like homophobia and domestic violence, because those are realities at home.” Her dynamic and expressive movement style was praised for its ability to engage with complex themes such as race relations and feminist struggles.
Born on February 21, 1985, in Soweto, Masilo grew up during South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy. She began her dance journey at the age of 10 with a local group and later pursued formal training at the Dance Factory and the National School of Arts in Johannesburg.
After graduating high school in 2001, she joined Alfred Hinkel’s Jazzart company in Cape Town before moving to Brussels to study at P.A.R.T.S. school. Her first choreographic work, inspired by the loss of a family member, ignited her passion for creating narrative-driven performances.
Upon returning to South Africa in 2007, Masilo began to reinterpret classical ballets, starting with “Romeo and Juliet” in 2008, followed by “Carmen” and “Swan Lake.” She believed that the narratives of these classics were universal and felt compelled to tell these stories through her unique lens.
Masilo's international reputation grew as she collaborated with various artists, including William Kentridge. Kentridge noted her ability to blend tradition with innovation, stating, “To have someone who is engaged with the traditions, who is starting with the classics, but playing against expectations… that’s a sensibility that feels close to me.”
Her recent works included “The Sacrifice,” a reinterpretation of Pina Bausch’s “The Rite of Spring,” which debuted in 2021 and was performed in New York. At the time of her passing, she was developing a new autobiographical solo piece focused on personal loss.
In December, Masilo was honored by the City of Johannesburg with a star at the Soweto Theater, an accolade she cherished as a recognition from her home community. Full details regarding her survivors were not immediately available.