My Life, My Dance, My Soul: The Story of Gregory Maqoma

R220.00

‘An exceptional man and an inspirational story.’
Kwame Kwei-Armah,  Artistic Director, YOUNG VIC

Legendary South African dancer and choreographer Gregory Maqoma’s childhood was marked by a deep connection to the rhythms of his hometown, Soweto. From a young age, he showed a passion for dance and music, playing the big drum in the community marching band and starting his own group before winning a place in a dance company – against his father‘s wishes.

Maqoma’s upbringing in the 1980s, a politically charged era, nurtured his desire to use his art for good. He has always had a profound respect for his cultural heritage, a commitment to social justice and an unwavering belief in the power of the arts to transform, to heal and to rebuild. Gregory never allowed his challenges to define his experience. His journey from Soweto to the global stage reveals his courage, creativity and determined spirit.

Maqoma has written a dazzling memoir, which encourages everyone to embrace their passions, overcome obstacles and believe in the strength of their dreams. It is a testament to the great heights you can reach when you dance to the rhythm of your own soul!

661 in stock (can be backordered)

Additional information
Weight 029 kg
Dimensions 210 × 148 × 30 mm
Author

Author Information

Gregory Vuyani Maqoma became interested in dance in the late 1980s as a means to escape the growing political tensions growing in Soweto, South Africa, where he was born. He started his formal dance training in 1990 at Moving into Dance, where he, later, became the Associate Artistic Director in 2002. He founded Vuyani Dance Theatre (VDT) in 1999 while undertaking a scholarship at the Performing Arts Research and Training School (PARTS) in Belgium, under the direction of Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker. Maqoma has established himself as an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, teacher, and director.
Greg has received numerous awards, among these the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for dance in 2002; the Tunkie Award for Leadership in Dance (2012), the New York City’s premier dance award, a “Bessie”, for Exit/Exist for original music composition (2014); and the Chevalier de L’Ordre des Artes et des Lettres (Knight of the Arts & Literature) Award in 2017 from the French government. Maqoma celebrates his fiftieth birthday in 2023 and he has curated a number of legacy projects that he will be revealing as the year progresses.
Lorato Trok is an experienced early literacy expert with over 20 years of expertise in publishing, writing, editing, translation and story development for children’s literature. She began her career as a children’s librarian and has worked on notable projects such as the First Words in Print initiative and Room to Read. Lorato has received awards for her translations and editing work. She has facilitated writing workshops internationally and presented papers on children’s literature. Lorato is an accomplished author of children’s picture books and young adult biographies. She is actively involved in various boards and initiatives focused on promoting literacy and advancing African publishing.

ISBN

9781431433827

Year of Publication

Month of Publication

Language

Imprint

Format

Shipping & Delivery

Deliveries Within South Africa

Free shipping for all orders over R600.

R80.00 flat rate for all orders less than R600.

International Shipping

If you want your order shipped anywhere outside of South Africa, please email websiteorders@jacana.co.za with the list of titles and physical delivery address and contact number. Our team will be in touch to advise on the cost and when you could expect to receive it.

If you are ordering from a country outside of South Africa, please complete your purchase as directed. You will then be contacted by one of our admin team to arrange shipping and delivery to wherever needed.

December Holiday Season

Our last, full (24hr) trading day is 22 December 2020 and we’ll be back to work 6 January 2021.  Any orders placed between 18 December 2020 and 5 January 2021 will only be despatched from the warehouse on our return.