In the performance Groove, choreographer Mari Raudsepp joins forces with three South African dancers. With them, they bring gqom – a powerful and uncompromising dance style rooted in Durban’s street and club culture, where men typically dominate the scene.
In Groove, the guys are benched as four fierce women step forward to claim the style. Together, they take control of the rhythm and vibe of the dance, setting the tone for the evening.
Expect synchronized movements, fast footwork, and facial expressions you didn’t know existed. This is a celebration of gqom’s raw energy and distinctiveness, allowing each dancer’s creativity and personality to shine.
Don’t miss the chance to experience a bold and exciting new dance world!
Raudsepp primarily practices, competes, and teaches in the dance styles of house and gqom. During a trip to Durban, she encountered gqom for the first time and decided to create the performance Groove. Mari’s artistic work with house and gqom dance styles stems from her interest in how social dances can be expressed in a stage/choreographic context. The piece Groove is rooted in the traditions of gqom dance.
Gqom dance originated in the lokshins (townships) of Durban and stems from the music genre of the same name. Gqom music emerged in the early 2010s in the city’s townships and soon developed its own step combinations. Gqom dance is divided into two parts: bhenga and ijithi. Bhenga originated in Durban’s club scene and is characterized by groovy upper body movements with foundational steps such as wosho, gwarra gwarra, and walkye phara. Ijithi, on the other hand, is based on fast footwork and has roots in the dance style Pantsula. This footwork is distinguished by so-called “heel-to-shuffle” techniques.
Artistic Director, Concept & Choreography: Mari Raudsepp
Co-choreographers, Co-created with: Yolanda Joja, Bridgette Londiwe Nompilo Msomi, Celumusa Lindelwa Thobeka N Maphumulo
Dancers: Yolanda Joja, Bridgette Londiwe Nompilo Msomi, Celumusa Lindelwa Thobeka N Maphumulo, Mari Raudsepp
Outside Eye: Maureen Asic
Co-production: Dansens Hus, Dansnät Sverige
Duration: 45 minutes
Photography: Anton Höjer, Elahe Ashrafi
Trailer: Elahe Ashrafi, Mari Raudsepp
Touring with Dansnät Sverige in autumn 2026
15 November
Dans i Nord, Studio Acusticum, Piteå
17 November
Hjalmar Bergmanteatern, Örebro
19 November
Uppsala konsert och kongress
21 November
Folkets hus, Säter
23 November
Västerås konserthus
26 November
Showbox, Oslo
