Chuma Mathiso at Alonzo King LINES Summer Dance Intensive
by Kristine Elliott
It’s amazing how time flies! Chuma Mathiso joined us for four fabulous and intense weeks training at Alonzo King LINES summer dance program, culminating with a performance on July 3rd.
I first met Chuma when he was a little boy studying ballet at our partner school Dancescape, formerly an outreach program of Dance for All. On my annual teaching trip to the townships surrounding Cape Town, South Africa, I spotted his talent immediately, and each year I monitored his progress.
Chuma, far left, as a young student at Dancescape.
Chuma is now 19 years old–a critical time for a dancer, at which he has a limited window to bridge the technical and artistic gap from student to professional. During his summer at the LINES intensive training program, he improved at an astonishing rate. In only a month, his technique grew precise, his artistry bold, and his movement confident. He shone in the summer showcase with a solo choreographed by Carmen Rozestraten.
Outside of dance classes, it was an exciting experience hosting Chuma at my home and sharing San Francisco’s culture.
Welcome Chuma !! Arriving at SFO June 7th, 2024, ready to begin LINES summer intensive.
First day at LINES, finding his place at the barre.
Poses in front of LINES studio’s iconic windows looking out from the historic Odd Fellows building.
Dinner at Patty Unterman’s Hayes Street Grill before attending a LINES performance at Davies Symphony Hall with Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting and Peter Sellars production. Trying oysters!
Chuma made good friends in his class, and was even able to go to a party in San Francisco!
The session-end performance was a thrilling production at Cowell theater.
Too soon, it was time for bows…
…And saying goodbyes to teachers and mentors. Chuma with LINES program director Karah Abiog (left) and choreographer Carmen Rozestraten (right).
Chuma’s month at Alonzo King LINES was nothing short of transformational. The staff recognized his great leaps in technique and artistry as well, inviting him back to attend their year-round pre-professional training program on a full scholarship! This would be a life-changing opportunity for Chuma. We are now fundraising to support him for a year of study in San Francisco.
Our work is made possible by donations from caring patrons of the arts like you, and we are so grateful for your support. Help us continue to identify and support talented young dancers like Chuma by making a donation online at http://www.gugulethuballetproject.org/donate/ or by mailing a check to Gugulethu Ballet Project at P.O. Box 620465 Woodside, CA 94062.
Ubuntu and Warmest Regards,
Kristine Elliott
Director, Gugulethu Ballet Project
Building Pride through Dance