Award-winning Soweto-born dancer/choreographer Dada Masilo dies at 39

JOHANNESBURG - Dada Masilo, a well-known dancer and choreographer from Soweto sadly died on Sunday following a brief illness. She was 39 years old.

Masilo, who has won numerous accolades both domestically and internationally, including an Italian lifetime achievement award for classic and contemporary dance in September 2024 at the Premio Positano Léonide Massine for the Art of Dance, started her dazzling career in the 1990s at the Dance Factory in Newtown, Johannesburg.

She was prolific in her work and bold in breaking the rules. In 2016, her ‘Swan Lake’ was nominated for a Bessie Award in New York; a year later, her ‘Giselle’ won in the Best Performance category by the Italian Danza&Danza Award.

Furthermore, in 2018, she bagged the Netherlands’ Prince Claus Next Generation Award 2018.

She was working on a new personal solo piece about the loss of loved ones when she unexpectedly passed away.

With a star carved into the wall of the Soweto Theatre, the City of Johannesburg recognised her as one of 44 "artistic icons in the City of Gold" at the start of December 2024. She took great pride in this prize. It was the most significant recognition of her "at home" career.

The Masilo family has asked for privacy in remembrance of Dada.

Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced soon.