WATCH: Mjaivo Jaiva takes over the streets of Johannesburg

Hundreds of dancers flooded the streets of Johannesburg this Friday, 16 May, for Mjaivo Jaiva, a celebration of International Dance Day.

The Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP), in collaboration with Moving Into Dance (MID) and the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII), hosted the event starting at the Magistrate’s Court in Main Street, Johannesburg.

Although International Dance Day is officially marked on 29 April, the celebration was moved to line up with South Africa’s public holidays, allowing for greater participation and public engagement.

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Mjaivo Jaiva for International Dance Day

More than 1 000 dancers, choreographed by the renowned MID team, turned the pavements into lively stages filled with joy, music and shared creativity.

JICP CEO David van Niekerk said collaborations like these are crucial for transforming the city from the inside out.

“This is more than a dance event – it’s a living, breathing example of what happens when culture, creative expression and community power intersect. This is Jozi showing the world what it’s made of.”

MID, a Newtown-based pioneer of Afro fusion and edudance since 1978, has trained hundreds of participants over the past weeks in a choreographed routine that speaks to identity, movement and inclusion.

“This is dance for everyone. Whether you know the choreography or just want to move your body, we invite you to join in – follow the rhythm, feel the vibe, or simply soak up the spirit of Mjaivo Jaiva,” said Nadia Virasamy, CEO of MID.

MII, a non-profit educational hub in the inner city since 2007, brought its own cohort of students to join the performance.

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