🔗 Share this article South African Dance Creator Lee-ché Janecke Dreams of Global Impact Inside a practice hall in east Johannesburg, movement director Lee-ché Janecke coached a group of cheerleading students through a routine. Following an extensive session of including body rolls to voguing with pompoms, the enthusiastic group gathered round Janecke to film a short clip of one of the trending South African amapiano viral moves. They finished in only two attempts. Rising Global Presence Lee-ché has remained at the forefront of the increasing worldwide popularity of South African dance and music over the last several years. Having worked with performer the star since she was 17, he created the internet sensation that was part of breakout track “Water,” which propelled the now 23-year-old African performer to worldwide fame. “When I speak about my life I feel moved to realize how far it’s arrived at, and that this moment feels like a brand new chapter,” he said. Early Roots He was raised in a community in Cape Town and later another township, both historically referred to as “Coloured” communities. Inspired by his grandpa playing music legends, and would dance at family events. At first planned to study finance after school, but could not ignore the call of performance, in which he has learned informally. Artistic Path In the early 2010s, he delved into identity in dance and accepted himself as LGBTQ+. He helped establish V.I.N.T.A.G.E, the country’s first group of male dancers focused on ballroom-inspired styles, movement genres that emerged in the ball culture in the past decades. The group, which evolved to include all genders and a style consultant, participated in numerous televised showcases. Yet, it finished second in all but the last event, something Janecke linked to South Africa not yet being ready for LGBTQ+ artists. Years ago, the group was attacked at a public transport stop as they returned from performing at Soweto Pride. A crowd surrounded their taxi, screaming and moving the van from side to side, until the operator finally convinced them to leave. “It was:‘Okay, it’s over for you,’” said Janecke. Key Achievements In time, the crew parted ways, as Janecke began receiving offers solo, choreographing the competition a broadcast series for an extended period. He was hired by the singer’s early representatives to coach her. “I sensed: ‘There’s something about this girl.’ I noticed it in their eyes,” he expressed. In the present day, the rehearsal was just not long after the VMAs. Tyla took home a trophy for her song. The video was staged under his direction, who was also nominated for outstanding movement. This was the peak of more than two years of partnering with Tyla worldwide on events like a singing competition to the a music awards show and a major event. Janecke also designed US and UK shows for an artist and taught movement sessions at a dance studio, the school of the a renowned company in the city, and at a Los Angeles venue. Future Goals “Personally, the end of that chapter is the industry acknowledgment,” Janecke said. He was filming when he discovered he had been nominated: “I instantly started crying. I was so emotional, I feel I remain touched, because … I woke up, early morning, to see the ceremony as it happened. I always knew that this moment is where my future awaits.” He gestured as he talked, standing to perform routines. “I must take the correct actions to continue communicating and getting my work known, away from the artists associated with it.” He outlined his ambitions – securing a American representative, partnering with artists like pop stars to legends, and making inroads in the Asian entertainment scene, brand campaigns and theater. He mentioned fellow choreographer a talented creator as achieving the level he believes he is able to reaching. Keeping Roots Even so, Janecke was clear he would keep working with Tyla: “That’s my girl forever … She remains passionate about creating music and genuinely shifting the landscape of the world.” Even as Janecke voiced frustration that South Africa was missing the intentional and seamless working environment of the America, he said he stayed true to his origins at heart. “My vision achieved a routine embraced by the entire globe … therefore, for me, what I pursue is a dream rooted in Africa.”