Nigel Qobo is making moves in Melville

Very few people understand the hard work and athleticism required to dance – mostly because the beauty and passion of this sport lends itself more to artistry than competition.

Defining this artistry is Melville-based dancer, Nigel Qobo, a dancer who specializes in teaching street dance styles, that include American, Afro and African street styles of dance. Though he was born in Auckland Park, he spent most of his childhood living between the Joburg CBD and Orange Farm. Seeing dancers in these neighbourhoods performing inspired him to learn more and he would try to copy them. Soon after, his practising would see him win various dance battles.

What propelled him into the dance world was his introduction to a dance studio and there, following his first day, the teacher told him to come back for more classes, and even offered him a bursary. After four years of leaving his best moves on this studio’s floor he graduated.

Following his graduation and passion for dance, he started his dance school. But, instead of the wooden floors of the studio, it was the pavement outside an empty, dirty vacant space, that set the scene for where he would teach his eager students, charging them only R25 per person. His determination would see him eventually have his dance studio based at 27 Boxes. “Now having been able to rent out my own studio space I wish to inspire others not to wait to start something.” Qobo hopes that through him, many can be inspired to forge ahead with their dreams, starting with the little they have – much like he did.

Qobo, who goes by the name Juicy The Dance Specialist, is currently working on having more to offer at his studio, as he slides into the health space, through an organic food shop. Through his studio, he engages with youth aged from three years old and up. To them he is more than the man with the best moves – he is also a mentor. “When my students come for class it’s not just a business transaction, it is my duty to identify the interests they don’t show at school or home as they are not given the space to. I give them that space by showing interest in what they like and identifying who they truly are.” He sees it as his duty as a mentor to develop and sharpen their skill/interests so as way help navigate their way towards fulfilling their life’s purpose.

The talented dancer has a plethora of dreams he still aspires to fulfil, and it would be safe to assume that he will put his best moves forward to see them come to fruition.

Details: Juicy the dance specialist dance studio, 066 009 6216.

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