Johannes Radebe is launching his international dance career in a spectacular way.
Born in Zamdela, northern Free State, Radebe has landed a role in the international show Burn The Floor, opening at the Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, on Wednesday.
Radebe is a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, SABC3's hit reality show.
He and show partner Leigh-Anne Williams finished as runners-up in the season that just ended.
Landing a role in the world-class ballroom and Latin dance show will give him a platform to showcase his talent to the world.
Speaking to Time Out this week, the 28-year-old Radebe says being part of Burn The Floor still feels like a dream.
"I have had this dream since I was a young boy. It's phenomenal," he enthuses. The show will stop over in Japan, China and Australia after its Johannesburg season.
Radebe hopes his talent will be enough to catch the eyes of international dance scouts.
"My aim is to give my all and see if I won't get more of these international roles.
"I have been waiting for such opportunities and I am glad this one came," Radebe says.
He sees this gig as affirmation that he has worked hard enough.
It's clear, as I sit in on a rehearsal on Tuesday at the theatre, that the tall and hunky Radebe has blended in well with other international dancers on Burn The Floor. He shines in his solo performance.
Radebe says they have been rehearsing for nine hours every day for the past two weeks.
Because he is a perfectionist, his practise sessions carry on even in the privacy of his hotel room.
The show features ballroom dances like the waltz and foxtrot and the Latin beats of cha cha.
The presentation is enhanced by colourful costumes and vibrant stage designs.
Radebe started dancing at the age of seven at the Sasolburg Recreation Centre. He says moving to Johannesburg exposed him to various shows and enabled him to meet top dancers like Tebogo Kgobokoe who ultimately mentored him.
He also spent some time as a resident dancer on cruise ships.
Although Radebe enjoys dance, his dream was to become a nurse after he was inspired by his aunt. Due to a lack of funds, he found himself dancing for a living.
"When I danced professionally I wanted to earn money and study at the same time. But my love for dancing was just too strong, so much I ended up forgetting about nursing," he says.
bambalelep@sowetan.co.za
Johannes Radebe dance dream set to come true
Johannes Radebe is launching his international dance career in a spectacular way.
Born in Zamdela, northern Free State, Radebe has landed a role in the international show Burn The Floor, opening at the Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, on Wednesday.
Radebe is a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, SABC3's hit reality show.
He and show partner Leigh-Anne Williams finished as runners-up in the season that just ended.
Landing a role in the world-class ballroom and Latin dance show will give him a platform to showcase his talent to the world.
Speaking to Time Out this week, the 28-year-old Radebe says being part of Burn The Floor still feels like a dream.
"I have had this dream since I was a young boy. It's phenomenal," he enthuses. The show will stop over in Japan, China and Australia after its Johannesburg season.
Radebe hopes his talent will be enough to catch the eyes of international dance scouts.
"My aim is to give my all and see if I won't get more of these international roles.
"I have been waiting for such opportunities and I am glad this one came," Radebe says.
He sees this gig as affirmation that he has worked hard enough.
It's clear, as I sit in on a rehearsal on Tuesday at the theatre, that the tall and hunky Radebe has blended in well with other international dancers on Burn The Floor. He shines in his solo performance.
Radebe says they have been rehearsing for nine hours every day for the past two weeks.
Because he is a perfectionist, his practise sessions carry on even in the privacy of his hotel room.
The show features ballroom dances like the waltz and foxtrot and the Latin beats of cha cha.
The presentation is enhanced by colourful costumes and vibrant stage designs.
Radebe started dancing at the age of seven at the Sasolburg Recreation Centre. He says moving to Johannesburg exposed him to various shows and enabled him to meet top dancers like Tebogo Kgobokoe who ultimately mentored him.
He also spent some time as a resident dancer on cruise ships.
Although Radebe enjoys dance, his dream was to become a nurse after he was inspired by his aunt. Due to a lack of funds, he found himself dancing for a living.
"When I danced professionally I wanted to earn money and study at the same time. But my love for dancing was just too strong, so much I ended up forgetting about nursing," he says.
bambalelep@sowetan.co.za
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