Taking the pantsula jive to the Big Apple

Skeleton Pantsula, a duo made up of street dancers Junior Hlongwane and Jabulani Manyoni, will be travelling to the United States on 16 October 2013 for a number of corporate and public appearances, including a performance at the iconic Times Square.

The dance crew was entertaining onlookers in front of the Mandela House Museum in Vilakazi Street during February when they were spotted by a group of visitors from Forevermark US Incorporated, part of the De Beers group of companies.

The delegation was so intrigued by the skill, creativity and originality of the dancers' moves - pantsula blended with jaw-dropping contortionism, agile acrobatics, hat tricks and humour - that they gave them each a R1 000 donation as a token of their appreciation.

But the story did not end there, as Skeleton Pantsula had left an indelible impression on the visitors. In July, a Forevermark representative contacted the dancers' agent, Felix Oyetomi, via their South African tour guide, and told him that they were interested in bringing the dancers to New York to perform at a company event.

Now, the young mapantsula - who hail from humble backgrounds and did not even have bank accounts, let alone passports - have suddenly found themselves on the brink of international success.

Forevermark has made all the arrangements for their flights, accommodation and welfare while in New York, and the Department of Arts and Culture has warmly endorsed the cultural exchange and lent its support to help arrange their visas.

Skeleton Pantsula will jet off to the Big Apple on 16 October for a series of performances, and will return to South Africa on 25 October.

Helping others

The dancers plan to plough the proceeds from their trip into the Skeleton Pantsula Foundation, which they founded to empower and improve the lives of young people who do not have the means to attend school. Hlongwane and Manyoni were themselves unable to complete their schooling due to economic constraints, and it remains an issue very close to their hearts. They also hope to build a new school in their home neighbourhood of Jabavu, in Soweto.

Says Oyetomi, the CEO of Ubukhosi Sport and Events Management: "This trip is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Junior and Jabulani. When I first saw them perform, I was completely blown away by their talent. Now, as their manager, I've made it my mission to open doors and take advantage of opportunities to showcase their amazing dance skills.

"I strongly believe they have the potential to go far as an entertainment act and that they have what it takes to fulfil their dreams."

An interview with Skeleton Pantsula will be flighted on Good Morning Africa between 7am and 8am on Monday, 14 October 2013, on the Africa Magic Channel (DStv Channel 154).

To find out more about the Skeleton Pantsula, follow @SkeletonPantsul on Twitter and Pantsula on Facebook, also watch them on YouTube.