Jazzart Dance Theatre, one of South Africa’s leading contemporary dance companies, will return with the Meraki Dance Festival with an expanded two-week celebration at Artscape from 26 February to 7 March. The company has a legacy spanning over five decades.
Meraki means “to do something with soul, creativity and love, leaving a piece of yourself in the work”. The 2026 festival follows the theme “Our Stories”.
This celebrates lived experience, heritage, identity and imagination told through dance.
The festival explores how dance serves as both mirror and messenger. It reflects who we are and where we come from. These are stories of joy, struggle, memory and becoming. Dance carries these narratives forward beyond words to future generations.
Two weeks, two spaces
Meraki 2026 will use two consecutive weeks and two performance spaces at Artscape.
Week One runs from 26 to 28 February in the Arena. It features three days of workshops in Contemporary, Pan-African, Amapiano and Hip Hop styles. The week ends with a midday performance showcasing young dancers. This platform targets school-aged audiences.
Week Two takes place from 5 to 7 March in the Artscape Theatre. It includes masterclasses led by industry professionals, evening performances, and a Saturday matinée.
Building community
Jazzart Managing Director Averil Hughes commented on the festival’s growth. “Every collaboration begins with a story. We give each other our thoughts, dreams and ambitions…and often, pieces of our hearts.”
She noted the community forming around the festival. “As Meraki enters its second year, what’s already visible is the community and connection that gathers around this festival. Artists and audiences come together to share their stories through movement. ”
The festival features returning companies including Figure of 8 Dance Theatre, Gain Collective, Imbewu Dance Collective, Cape Ballet Africa and SboNdaba Dance. New participants include EOAN Dance Company, Basic Black, Waterfront Theatre School, Unmute Dance Theatre and Dance for All.
Young choreographers at this year’s festival include Ashlynn Erasmus, Adrienne Newman, Lee van der Merwe, Nick Masepe and Zoe Fredericks. This reflects Jazzart’s commitment to supporting young artists.
The festival will premiere a new collaborative work between Jazzart Dance Theatre and New World Dance Theatre, entitled “Our Stories” bringing the festival’s theme to life.
Tickets are available at www.webtickets.co.za
WIN! WIN! WIN!
Two readers can each win two tickets to Meraki Dance Festival Performance 5 on Friday 6 March at 19:30.
The line-up for Performance 5: Jazzart Dance Theatre and New World Dance Theatre Collaboration, Unmute Dance Theatre, Roots Theatre Project, Basic Black, SboNdaba Dance, Zip Zap Circus School, Jazzart Dance Theatre.
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