DURBANVILLE – A 22-year-old dancer and aspiring choreographer from Durbanville is making waves in the industry.
Zinzan Raubenheimer started on his road to success at age 15 when he competed in the HHI World Hip-Hop Dance Championships in Phoenix, Arizona, in the USA. He then decided this was going to be his career.
He has trained in many different styles, including hip-hop, commercial dance, contemporary, ballet, jazz and lyrical, to name just a few.
From February to May he was a principal dancer in the inaugural company of Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, a tribute show on board the brand new Norwegian Aqua cruise ship, celebrating the musical genius of the late artist Prince. The production was directed and choreographed by Patti Wilcox, who was honoured by the NAACP American civil-rights group for her outstanding choreography in Motown the Musical, both on Broadway and the West End.
Talent’s spark ignites opportunities in choreography
Raubenheimer’s passion for dance extends to choreography. He has put routines together for multiple dance studios across Cape Town for the competitive dance circuit, his most notable work being under the direction of the Cream Creative Agency managed by Michelle Oppenshaw.
His work was also featured in the SAFTAS 18 Awards Show, which honours creative excellence in the local film and television industry, and recently he was on the choreographical team of Tarryn Lamb’s new music video for her song “Ek’s lief vir jou”.
Raubenheimer travelled to Los Angeles in California in September to be mentored by Tia Rivera, who was part of the choreographical team of Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, as well as the Pepsi Super Bowl 56 half-time show.
Throughout September he worked closely with Rivera, learning the ins and outs of creating a successful career in the entertainment industry, both in the United States and globally.
Ultimate dream
Raubenheimer has a deep love for the local dance industry. He believes South African dance deserves to be taken seriously and can be of the same calibre as that of any country overseas, and his ultimate dream is to assist in elevating the South African dance scene to undeniably world-class levels and pave the way for wider opportunities for local dancers, both in the country and beyond.
At just 22, his career having begun on a soaring note, he is excited about all that lies in store for him.
