Sne Mbatha On Her Passion For Dance And Making Major Moves In The Industry

Snenhlanhla Sne Mbatha / 25 / Choreographer, Dancer, Actress & Creative Director

How did you get into the industry?

I have always been a street dancer, but the day I made my debut on television my life changed forever. I went to a dance school, Dance Direction International to expand my knowledge in dance. From there I moved to the City of Gold to pursue my dream.

You are passionate about dance and it shows through your work, when was the love for dance ignited?

By the time I got to college, sitting in class without a uniform meant I’d be driving myself up the wall in an office environment for the rest of my life! I had to make a decision. Fortunately I got my first proper paying gig which made it easier to convince my mother. It was a question of “Do you want to pay my college fees for the next three years and not be guaranteed a job, or do I make this paper now whilst living my dream and changing lives?!” I never looked back after that day!

Any big shows you can mention that you choreographed?

Wow, there’s quiet a lot! The MAMAs 2015 & 2016, SAMAs, Metro FM Awards 2015 & 2016, Travis Scott, Kanye West, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, The Movie Music Festival, Fill Up The Dome (assistant choreographer), Glo CAF in Nigeria, Yvonne Chaka Chaka in Tanzania (GOALS!!!), etc.

People only see the finished product on stage, how much work goes into what you do on a daily basis?

A whole lot! We just never have enough time. One moment it’s 8am, the next you’re walking out of a studio and it’s past 11pm (good luck to my future hubby, lol). We deal with impressing the client and artist, training our artists, creative directing, music, lights, costumes, keeping our bodies intact because injuries happen (we get sick ALL the time), castings in between work and training our own dancers, it just never ends. I’m just grateful for the people I work with. It’s been pretty balanced. It’s a crazy life that every creative is in a deep relationship with.

That one thing you always do before going on stage?

PRAY! You never do it alone. It’s by God’s will! Before you show off what He’s blessed you with, you gotta give thanks! You can miss a warm up and everything, but not Prayer!

Complete this: I would never trade _________ for anything!

“… my life and it’s ups and downs..” because it got me to where I am today.

How’s your fitness schedule like?

I can freely say it used to be bad but I’m getting there. I don’t eat the healthiest but I’ve gotten into a ‘drinking as much water as I can’ habit. Grateful for my partner, he’s my biggest gym motivation, so now I do those early morning gym sessions. I also do Yoga to keep myself supple, gyming a lot can make your muscles tight, so I have to keep it well balanced. I also don’t have much of a choice because I have a permanent spinal injury so I have to keep training my core and back muscles.

Being approached by big campaigns such as Nike, does that make you feel that your work is being recognized?

My girl Tarryn is the one that’s always on the lookout for me there. It’s always a huge thing for me. These are brands that I grew up struggling to buy, but being put in a position to represent the brand is an honour. I’m also a Puma girl.

What do you think South African dance still needs to get to the next level?

We need to be educated about the business in dance. One of the reasons why society and the rest don’t take us seriously is because some of us still struggle to operate the business itself. Once we get that on the go, I’m sure things will change. 2018 is gonna be my year for that!

Your favourite South African song right now?

Yoh! South African artists are eating fire these days. Newcomers, upcoming artists, legends, err’body! Everyone is so lit that I don’t have a specific song but DJ Maphorisa’s Qhom album is LIT, Shane Eagle also DID THE DAMN THING, Phantom, Costa Titch, Benny_Chill, Mr All Of It are some of the artists to be on the lookout for! Priddy Ugly, 2018 neh! OK! Bruh there’s A LOT mate.

Who is/are your biggest cheerleader/s?

My family, my man and my supporters.

What’s your go-to form of meditation?

YOGA! I play slow music and listen to my body. If I was back home I’d be at the beach but shame Jozi thle, so I hit the mountain. No one ever knows when I go there.

Think 2018 has your name on it already?

Hmmm, kindly ask the Almighty! I’m already cooking! I just feel sorry for those who thought it’s over for me.

Follow Sne!

Instagram: @iam_snembatha

Twitter: IAM_SNEMBATHA

Facebook: I AM SNE Mbatha

–Bridgette Makhela

Xavier Steeze On Being An Entertainer And Maintaining Stage Presence

Sibusiso Xavier Lawrence Thwala / 23 / Freelance Entertainer of everything in the name of Arts

 When did you fall in love with dance?

I’ve always loved dancing and entertaining.

What does being an entertainer mean to you?

It means everything to me, I feel alive when I am on stage. I also love watching choreography or stage direction I have created on big stage productions.

What other avenues are you involved in?

I have just started my own cinematography company called #X_FRAMES. I am also doing a bit of photography and videography for some artists. I work with BlackWorks Media too, I host events at different clubs and festivals and also do brand activations for various brands.

How much time does it take to choreograph a routine for a performance?

It all depends on the time the choreography is needed, but there are cases where you have to create choreography on the spot.

How do you select the perfect song for a routine?

Well, you pick a song that best brings out the creativity out of you, or a song you know will move people.

How many years have you been in the entertainment industry?

I have officially been part of the entertainment industry for ten years. My first paying gig was at the age of 13.

How many South African music videos have you been featured in so far?

I really have lost count…but I can proudly say that I have done music videos for most of the prominent artists in South Africa and North Africa.

The biggest highlight of your career so far?

I have three:

1. Black Motion performance at the MTV MAMA AWARDS performance, choreographed by me. –> https://youtu.be/B2fc1acRUAw

2. Placing top 3 HIP HOP INTERNATIONAL FOR DUO ALL STYLES with @LEASH_KES –> https://youtu.be/_Gh7QedPIsk

3. Riky Rick’s performance at the SAMA22, choreographed by @PHANTOM_STEEZE

 

Follow Xavier Steeze!

Instagram: @xavier_steeze

Twitter: @Xaviera_Steeze

Facebook: Sibusiso Thwala Xavier

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Courtnae’ Paul On Her Versatile Hustle

Courtnae’ Paul

24

Creative Director / Bgirl / Choreographer / DJ

 

When did the dance bug hit you?

I think it was aiming for someone else and hit me by mistake, lol. Age 10/11, I randomly got involved with my church dance group, and the rest is history.

How do you juggle all your titles and make them work to your advantage?

In this industry it’s generally in your best interest to be versatile and well versed in different areas and / or styles. Due to the nature of entertainment as a profession, the industry and it’s job offers are constantly fluctuating, so I have always made sure that there is a need for the services I offer. It might sound like a lot of titles; however they are all closely linked and expose me to the other sides of my expertise. This in turn sees me learning and broadening my skill set to eventually being able to do that job myself. It works well for me because I stay in my lane, but I make sure I have everything in my lane covered.

The coolest gig you’ve ever been a part of to date?

I choreographed a very urban African surprise welcome for Richard Branson last December. It was cool because I enjoy meeting people who have made such a success in life, yet are still down to earth and super friendly. He joined in on the performance and really seemed to have enjoyed himself. I love creating experiences and having other people enjoy them too. Another gig that was pretty cool was choreographing and leading two 2015 / 2016 Cell C campaigns. They were printed and they flighted on everything from cinema, to store material, billboards, fliers, internet and TV. The campaign ran for six months, and was just renewed for another three…

Who inspires you to hustle even harder?

Everyone and everything around me is a constant push to be greater, I am inspired by people that continue to push no matter what the circumstances are. Every time I smash one goal or achieve something I thought I never could, it makes me work harder because I see it’s possible. I am a firm believer that thinking and believing, coupled with action, brings your visions into reality.

That one South African jam that gets you moving all the time is…?

“It’s about tiiiiiime! You listen to Boom Shaka!”

Who or what gets your heart beating fast? Lol

My girlfriend! In both a good and bad way! Hahaha!

Where do you picture yourself in the future?

The direction of my plans never change, however the scale changes almost weekly, so I picture myself being really happy and having accomplished everything little goal I set.

If you were an animal, which one would you pick?

I would be a lion or a dolphin. Lions are so beautifully lazy and get to sleep all day, and dolphins are just the cutest fun ‘lifesavers’ ever, lol.

That word you yell out every time you get pissed?

I yell “fada gohd maaan!” (for some reason my inner Nigerian comes out).

How do you maintain staying power in the industry?

By adapting to change and always creating a demand for my skills.

Follow Courtnae’!

Instagram: @Courtnae_Paul

Twitter: @Courtnae_Paul

Facebook: Courtnae’ Paul

YouTube: Courtnae’ Paul

MixCloud: Courtnae’ Paul

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Get To Know Sne Mbatha…

Sne Mbatha, 23
Professional dancer, choreographer and upcoming actress

Dance is your life, tell me why?         

I’ve made the biggest sacrifices for dance; it saved me from a lot of things. Dancing got me through a lot in life. I appreciate this talent that God has given me…somehow people seem to understand me better when I dance, without dance I don’t see myself doing much in life. Dance has made me the person I am today and I still have a long way to go.

How and when did you get into the South African dance scene?     

Yoh! I’ve been dancing since I don’t know when dance decided to enter my system. I did two Television competitions, Wimpy Beat and my favourite, So You Think You Can Dance (Top 8 finalist). From then on I received a lot of calls in Gauteng so I decided to move here in 2013. I have had contacts from both commercial and theatre side…I’m truly blessed. I have had opportunities to work with amazing choreographers and also to choreograph some of the biggest concerts and award ceremonies in the country.

Are you part of a dance crew?  

Yes I am, Freeze Frame dance crew.

I’ve spotted your talent on most SA Hip-Hop & House music videos, how do you get to be chosen to be a dancer on a music video?     

I meet artists and directors in different places so networking has been my biggest saviour in this industry. It has always been a thing of me making sure I leave them more than happy with my work so I can be referenced more. I push myself to be recognized because being on TV for one show doesn’t make you the best thing ever; it’s about the after effect. Treat everyone around you the same, from the make-up artist, to the cleaner, the lighting guy, to the director…First impressions count! When I stand in front of that camera, it is no longer only about the people around me at that moment, but the people watching at home!

How do you balance things in your busy life?      

I have an injury that can never go away unless I do an operation so I always have to make time to see a chiropractor, get to rehearsals, do gigs, have meetings, etc. I have a lot on my hands but I can handle it, I always find ways to make it work…I don’t know how.

Give me a pro and a con about dance  

The pros are getting to travel and doing what you love. You grow as an artist and get to work with some amazingly talented people; you get to be part of history.
Cons, man the biggest battle almost every dancer is fighting: finances, respect, unity and consistency. You always have to stay fresh in this industry because it is easy for anyone to replace you, you have to stay hungry. The sacrifices dancers make are actually shocking! The things we do for success neh…

Music obviously plays a major role in a dance routine; give me your favourite SA Hip-Hop track out right now  

Oooooh I’m in love with Riky Rick- Fuseg, Breeze- FENDA, Cassper Nyovest featuring The Game – Cooking In The Kitchen & Turn Up, Wtf – all their tracks, Dj Switch featuring Nasty C, Tumi & Youngsta- Way It Go and an upcoming artist named Phantom Steeze – Skipa Saka Jo, Hooray and Losing My Mind…You’ll know him soon.

What exciting dance competitions/projects have you been involved in so far?               

I choreographed for the MTV BASE AFRICAN MUSIC AWARDS, Kanye West concert, Miller BoomTown Kendrick Lamar tour, I almost choreographed for Ne-yo but there was a situation with that, lol. Miller SAB, Castle Lite, I also choreographed and danced for Cassper Nyovest at #FillUpTheDome. I recently worked with Lee-ché Janecke (Vintage Cru) on Idols Season 11. I traveled with Freeze Frame dance crew to represent the country at the world champs in San Diego – Hip Hop International. I’m also in a Dance movie called Pop Lock ‘n Roll, I’m in the main crew there, super excited! It comes out this year. Keep your eyes and ears open!!!

Is there longevity in the dance industry to choose it as a career path?    

Yes there is, It all depends on how hard you work and if you are ready to truly bend over backwards to get there. Your level of faith and commitment must be on a 100!

What traits do you believe make a good dancer?          

Workaholic, fresh, be creative, be consistent, be a people’s person, be humble and always be open to learning new things because our industry is forever evolving. Work hard but work smart.

Give aspiring dancers some advice about choosing dance

Be ready to work, never give up! Push harder when people stop believing in you. It is not going to be a walk in the park; you have to keep your head up. The whole world will fall on you but you got to get up, dust your shoulders and continue running. Tomorrow is still another day but live today like you’ve only got one shot to do this! It’s not a joke, it’s your life!

 

Follow Sne!

Twitter: @IAM_SNEMBATHA

Instagram: @IAM_SNEMBATHA

Facebook: Sne Happyfeet Mbatha

–Bridgette Makhela