Alex’s rising dance star

Stand aside Dada Masilo, here comes a new dance sensation from Alexandra in the name of Julia Burnham.

The Riverpark girl is the new kid in the block of the dance and arts industry in South Africa. A former Maryvale Catholic School pupil who moved to Marlboro Combined School for her matric in 2008, is making waves in the dance since joining Vuyani Dance Company early this year.

Born in Johannesburg’s Corronation Hospital in 1990, Burnham’s family relocated to Alexandra years ago when she was still young and settled in 6th Avenue. “I had always been an enthusiastic dancer when I was young and my mother ensured I attended ballet classes at school,” said the 23-year-old Burnham.

From school ballet Burnham joined community groups such as Rising Stars and a Hip Hop Crew and ultimately joined Moving Into Dace Mophathong in the Johannesburg CBD. “This is where I started perfecting my dance career into a more professional approach.”

“To me, dance has become much more than just a hobby that I used to love at school. I never thought dance could become a profession for me but the various travels I have undertaken with Moving Into Dance Mophathong and the Vuyani Dance Company have become an eye-opener, ” explained the dancer.

“After seeing how some people, especially abroad, have made dance their chosen career and profession, I was motivated to follow suit and here I am now.”

She said she dreams of being the best she can be and also choreographing and teaching dance one day.

Burnham, who is currently on a tour of France with Gregory Maqoma’s Kudu dance piece, urged aspiring dancers especially in Alex to believe in themselves and be committed to what they love most and stay away from drugs, alcohol abuse and indulging in sexual activity.

When Burnham and the Vuyani Dance Theatre return later this month, they will move into the Joburg Theatre to perform their epic work, Full Moon from 30 April till 11 May.