At just 14 years old, Thanda Tembe is already the principal lead dancer at Umhlanga’s Break-Thru Dance Company and is actively pursuing her dream of becoming an internationally-recognised dancer one day.
It takes passion, dedication and hard work to achieve your dream. Especially when that dream is to become a professional dancer. But young Thanda has already proven to herself, and those around her, just how hard she is willing to work and how dedicated she is to her art form. Not only was Thanda recently named ‘Dancer of the Year’ (in the fusion/open category) for 2023 by the Association of International Dance Teachers (AIDT), but when she steps onto the Playhouse Company stage at the end of November to perform in the production ‘Ekhaya – Home Is Where the Heart Is’, she will be doing so as the principal lead dancer.
Passionate about all forms of dance, Thanda is proficient in ballet, contemporary, tap, hip hop, modern and musical theatre – and she trains six days (25 hours) every week. Thanda’s instructor and owner of Break-Thru Dance Company (BTDC) Taryn Makaab Smit says that even from a young age she knew Thanda was something special. “She started dancing with us when she was 8 years old and I knew she would go far, not only because of her potential, but because there was always a fire in her step.”
According to Thanda, her love for dance was ignited after seeing her first BTDC production at The Playhouse. “I was so inspired by the many young, talented girls dancing in different styles. Everything, from the costumes to the stage setting, seemed so magical. I joined the dance company the following year and I have never looked back.”
“Ballet teaches me discipline, balance and strength.
Although she loves all forms of dance, Thanda says ballet gives her the technical base she needs for all the other styles. “Ballet teaches me discipline, balance and strength. My other favourite is contemporary, which allows me to tell a story through movement, musicality and emotion.”
Because she is home-schooled, Thanda can dedicate more time to her dancing. “BTDC offers a performing arts programme, which is perfect for home schooling kids because we get an extra nine hours a week of dance.”
One of the most versatile dancers in the academy, Taryn says she is excited see what the future holds for young Thanda. “Watching her dance makes me burst with pride. It has been a blessing to see her grow from strength to strength, and I know she will leave a mark wherever she goes.”
So what does the future have in store for Thanda? “I’m looking forward to traveling overseas with my parents next year to participate in summer programmes and competitions with BTDC. There can be nothing more exciting than representing my city and my country. My ultimate goal is to dance with the Dance Theatre of Harlem one day.”
Photographs: Samantha coutts
