Based: Johannesburg

Indigenous Dance Academy (IDA) is a South African dance collective and youth development initiative based in Tembisa Township, north of Johannesburg. The academy was co‑founded by dancers Jarrel Mathebula and Neo Sebete as a way to empower young people through dance, culture and creative expression, offering them pathways to performance, livelihood and personal growth.

IDA’s work is rooted in township street dance styles, especially pantsula — a vibrant, fast‑paced urban dance that emerged in South African townships during the 20th century as a form of cultural expression, identity and resilience. Through disciplined training, choreography and performance opportunities, the academy gives young dancers the chance to earn income doing what they love, build confidence and break cycles of poverty and exclusion.

Since its inception, Indigenous Dance Academy has also gained attention for its creative collaborations and cultural visibility. The collective’s dancers have appeared in music videos, performances and media projects that showcase township dance culture, including a cameo in British rapper Little Simz’s Gratitude video — helping raise awareness of South African dance on international platforms.

More than a performance troupe, IDA functions as a community hub and creative incubator, where youth are trained not only in technique and style but also in professionalism, teamwork and self‑belief. By nurturing artistic talent and encouraging cultural pride, Indigenous Dance Academy continues to expand its impact across South Africa’s performing arts landscape.