(Pic by Val Adamson)Talented young dancer Nobuhle Khawula died on December 7 after finally losing her battle against TB. She was a former member of the Flatfoot Dance Company whose artistic director, Lliane Loots, has penned this tribute:
“In 2001, a young Nobuhle Khawula auditioned for Durban’s Phenduka Dance Theatre’s training programme and when she was selected, began her dance career. After the three-year training programme, she joined the professional company and danced with them till the company disbanded in early 2007. She also freelanced in productions like My Fair Lady at the Playhouse in 2006.
She choreographed her first work in 2007 for the JOMBA! Fringe - this solo work was entitled Ungubani. Nobuhle joined Flatfoot Dance Company as a full-time company member at the beginning of 2008. She also assisted with facilitation on Flatfoot’s Dance Development projects in KwaMashu, Umlazi and Ndumo. She completed a course in Dance in Education – a graduate module offered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) - in 2007. She was also nominated for her dance performance work by KZN DanceLink and the region’s Durban Dance Awards.
Her work with Flatfoot saw her recognised as one of Durban and South Africa’s leading female dancers and so it is with great sadness that we mourn her untimely passing. Nobuhle contracted TB in early 2010 and battled the disease since then.
She is remembered especially for her strength and professional attitude to her dance career and I have often considered her a choreographer’s dream dancer for her rigorous commitment to growing both herself and her art form. She was never afraid to journey to those difficult places – both physically and emotionally - that I sometimes needed for my dance works and so I will miss having her in the dance studio. I will also miss a friend and colleague who has been so intimately part of making Flatfoot what it is today. Nobuhle is survived by her mother and sisters, and her young eight year-old son, Olwethu.” - Lliane Loots, Artistic Director: Flatfoot Dance Company
Flatfoot Dance Company will host a short celebratory memorial to honour Nobuhle Khawula on December 14 at 14h00 in the Square Space Theatre (UKZN - Howard College Campus). Tea and cake will be served afterwards.
Flatfoot is requesting donations for Buhle's family at this difficult time those who would like to contribute may do so after the memorial.
Posts
