SUNNYBOY Motau’s ascent in the creative industries is the embodiment of potential. And the support of those committed to uplifting the arts, such as his dance company, Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM) is what led to this realisation.This month dancer, Motau, was named, along with 199 other South Africans, as among the top 200 young people to watch, particularly in the arts. Mail & Guardian names and celebrates this set of youth each year, many of whom have gone on to shape the future of the country.

The announcement comes just ahead of the opening of MIDM’s 2015 annual season, Of Hounds & Men, at the University of Johannesburg Theatre Complex. It will showcase the piece he has choreographed: Fight, flight, feathers and f**kers.

The 29-year-old is profiled for his already significant contribution to dance, the arts and culture category.

“I am truly humbled. To think that I came to MIDM as rough diamond in 2008 and have built up to be recognised among Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans – it’s been hard work, but it’s worth it. My journey since has been an amazing one and I am truly humbled by this accolade,” he said.

This year Fight, flight, feathers and f**kers, was also voted one of the top three works at Dance Umbrella 2015. He was also nominated for a Naledi Theatre Award earlier this year.

Motau has worked in the arts industry for the past 16 years, eight of which have been dedicated to dance — creating, choreographing and teaching it. And it keeps him busy, he says.

Man-Longing, his piece on the sinister world of human trafficking, was featured on the main stage at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown last month.

He is also collaborating with acclaimed dancer and choreographer Jessica Nupen on R&J: Rebellion & Johannesburg, an African adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, which will tour Germany for a month in September and October.

And he continues to teach Afrofusion theory and practical to the MIDM first years; hosts classes for the MIDM dance company; and gives back, teaching community groups and at schools in Alexandra.

This season Of Hounds & Men features a mixed-bill of four high energy dance works that boasts the artistic flair of award-winning local and international choreographers with the prowess of beautiful movement expressed by leading company dancers. The four pieces include Bolero, fight, flight, feathers, f***ers, Road, and For Now…, along with a sneak preview of R & J: Rebellion & Johannesburg.

MIDM chief executive Nadia Virasamy said she was very proud of Motau. “This recognition is well-deserved. The life of an artist is one that requires much sacrifice and an equal measure of dedication and focus. Sonnyboy has all of this, and more, and the awards he has received recognise not only his potential, but his existing talent. We are very proud.”

The season showcases four pieces of riveting dance over three days, and also includes a performance of Threads on Sunday, August 9, Woman’s Day, at 11 am, featuring the inimitable poet and performer, Lebo Mashile. It is presented in association with the UJ Arts and Culture Department.

SEASON DETAILS
Venue: UJ Theatre Complex, Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park
Showtimes: Friday, August 7 at 7.30 pm. Saturday, August 8 at 11 am, Sunday, August 9 at 11 am.
Ticket prices: All tickets R100 and student and pensioners tickets at R65. Tickets are R150 for Threads, on August 9, which includes snacks, drinks and a Q&A session with Mashile and the dancers.
Booking is through Computicket.