Dancing his way to the top
After completing his matric in 2018, the versatile dancer moved on to study Drama at the University of the Witwatersrand where he was introduced to a whole new world of performing arts.
To some, dance is just a movement of the body to rhythm, but for Roodepoort’s own talented dancer Xavien Myles it’s a way of life.
This 20-year-old dance star in the making eats, sleeps and breathes dancing, and his social media posts bear testimony to this.
The former Allen Glen High School learner, who has had some small-screen success, continues to dance his way to the top, an effort that qualifies him as a force to be reckoned with in the arts and entertainment industries. After completing his matric in 2018, the versatile dancer moved on to study Drama at the University of the Witwatersrand where he was introduced to a whole new world of performing arts.
“At Wits my knowledge was broadened about other types of dance styles. A particular module called Movement is one that taught me about African aesthetics which infused different types of dances and techniques. Also, dance groups that were formed by other students sharpened my versatility in the game,” he explained.
From presenting himself as just a hip hop dancer, Xavien has become much more than his first love – he has added ballet and contemporary to his pool of styles.
During his first year at Wits, he became a popular face after his talent landed him an opportunity to feature in a music video of a song by the Amapiano-genre hitmakers MFR Soul, featuring Dj Maphorisa, Kabza de Small and Shasha called Love you tonight.
Watch here:
“After the music video was released, people started taking me seriously and some aspirant dancers would even come up to me to get tips and ask about techniques about performing,” he reflected with a smile.
“However, I always told many that you don’t have to be the best dancer to make it. Be a patient one through persistence and heart,” he said.
With Covid-19 interrupting some of his craft last year, Xavien told Northsider that he wishes to double his workload this year and work on everything in which he experienced limitations last year.
“Last year I missed out on a lot of concerts because of the pandemic, but the plan this year is to perform more,” he envisaged.
Should Covid regulations steal his shine again this year, the resilient dancer said he would take his craft online and start doing tutorials. Also, he mentioned that he plans on helping Aislynn Padayachee of Emojin Entertainment who has been his mentor throughout his career.
Furthermore, after completing his course and turning professional, he wishes to be a dance coach and give back to the community, in particular to the DanceSport School League (DSSL) which groomed him to be the phenomenal dancer we have come to know.
To check out Xavien’s incredible dance moves, visit @xavien.rm on Instagram. You can also watch the music video here:
