Based: Johannesburg

Moving Into Dance (also known as Moving Into Dance Mophatong or MIDM) is one of South Africa’s longest‑established and most influential contemporary dance companies and training institutions, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since its founding in 1978 by choreographer Sylvia “Magogo” Glasser, MID has been a pioneer in using dance for cultural expression, social transformation and community empowerment.

Origins & Purpose

Founded during the height of apartheid, MID began as a non‑racial community dance project, with Glasser teaching integrated classes in her garage before expanding into a full‑fledged organisation that trained and employed dancers from diverse backgrounds. Its early beginnings as an act of artistic resistance helped shape its enduring mission: harnessing the creative power of movement to connect, uplift and transcend social divides.

Artistic Style & Vision

Moving Into Dance is known for its Afrofusion approach, blending African movement, ritual and music with Western contemporary dance techniques to create expressive, narrative‑driven works that resonate culturally and emotionally. This distinctive style has contributed to South Africa’s modern dance landscape and has influenced generations of dancers, choreographers and teachers.

Company & Training

MID operates on several core levels:

  • Professional Dance Company: Touring and performing both nationally and internationally in theatres, festivals and arts seasons.

  • Performing Arts Training Course (PATC): A full‑time accredited programme that develops dancers, choreographers and educators.

  • Community Outreach & Classes: Offering workshops, edudance programmes in underserved communities and accessible dance training for the public.

Over the years, MID has nurtured many celebrated South African artists — including dancers like Vincent Mantsoe — and played a significant role in expanding opportunities for Black and township youth in the arts.

Leadership & Legacy

In the 2020s, Sunnyboy Mandla Motau — a MID alumnus and seasoned dancer/choreographer — took the helm as Artistic Director, continuing the organisation’s legacy of creative excellence and community focus while championing collaborations, mentorship and broader access to dance.

Impact & Community Work

One of MID’s distinctive initiatives is the Enable Through Dance project, which brings learners of varying abilities — including children from special needs schools — into professional performance settings, fostering confidence and inclusion through artistic expression.

Across more than four decades of work, Moving Into Dance has remained dedicated to transforming lives through movement, both on stage and in communities — living its motto of “Making a Difference Through Dance.”

Entertainment

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