The sudden death of Dada Masilo has left a void in the international dance community. The 39-year-old South African choreographer, who was known for her electrifying performances, passed away after a short illness.
A two-decade-spanning career beginning in Soweto, South Africa, helped Masilo redefine contemporary dance for generations by injecting African dance elements into classical European ballet. Always bold and uncompromising about her creativity, Masilo completely transformed the way South African, as well as international, dancers perceive and carry out their crafts. Deep respect for European tradition notwithstanding, Masilo fearlessly infused African rhythms and stories that spoke to various social issues of the time as well as espoused cross-cultural understanding.
Masilo’s Swan Lake and Giselle were so powerfully reinterpreted in performances that earned her worldwide recognition. She received the Positano Léonide Massine lifetime achievement award in September for being “powerful and topical” in her artistic expression. In 2016, her Swan Lake was nominated for a New York Bessie award, while her 2017 Giselle won the best performance award at the Italian Danza and Danza awards.
She has been seen as a great loss to contemporary dance. Tributes from all corners of the globe speak to Masilo’s creative genius, unique perspective, and ability to inspire audiences and other artists. Her legacy will live on in works that were revolutionary in bringing together European ballet with African dance traditions.
