The legacy of Dada Masilo: celebrating an icon of dance
The dance world is in mourning following the untimely passing of acclaimed dancer and choreographer Dada Masilo, who died on Sunday, December 29, after a brief illness.
At just 39-years-old, Masilo's lasting legacy in contemporary dance was illuminated by her pioneering spirit and unyielding creativity.
The Soweto-born dancer captivated theatre-goers globally with her innovative performances that narrated profound stories through movement.
Following her death, tributes have been flooding in from friends, family and fans, all acknowledging the incredible impact she has left on the arts.
Asante Productions wrote on Instagram: “Today, we mourn the loss of Dada Masilo (1985–2024), an internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer who reshaped contemporary dance with her fearless creativity and African-inspired reinterpretations of classics like ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘Giselle’.
“Her work blended bold storytelling, African motifs, and a deep respect for classical traditions, changing the face of modern dance forever. Rest in power to a true trailblazer. 🕊.”
The company added that from her early days dancing for Queen Beatrix to her international accolades, Dada’s impact on dance was “immeasurable”.
Actress Carla Fonseca Mokgata wrote on X, “Dada Masilo didn’t just perform, she proclaimed!! Her art was activism, her body was a weapon.
“She redefined dance, shattered boundaries, and gave us truth in motion. Rest in power & movement to an absolute icon. We will always remember & love you!!! 🖤.”
Dada Masilo didn’t just perform, she proclaimed!! Her art was activism, her body was a weapon. She redefined dance, shattered boundaries, and gave us truth in motion. Rest in power & movement to an absolute icon. We will always remember & love you!!! 🖤 pic.twitter.com/7tYuVN1DXI
— Carla Fonseca Mokgata (@BATUKMUSICA) December 30, 2024
The National Arts Festival posted on X: “We are devastated by the shocking and tragic news of Dada Masilo’s passing. An artist like no other, gone too soon. We wish her family, friends and colleagues our deepest sympathies, our hearts are all heavy in this terrible loss. RIP @dadamasilo.”
We are devastated by the shocking and tragic news of Dada Masilo’s passing. An artist like no other, gone too soon. We wish her family, friends and colleagues our deepest sympathies, our hearts are all heavy in this terrible loss. RIP @dadamasilo pic.twitter.com/A0aycjtTzW
— NationalArtsFestival (@artsfestival) December 30, 2024
Masilo's journeys took her from the stages of South Africa to revered theatres around the world, where she became known for reinterpretations of classical ballets that infused African cultural elements and narratives.
Her choreography was not just about dance; it was an expressive dialogue that celebrated and questioned the identity, culture and tradition.
Award-winning dance artist Senzeni Mthwakazi Marasela wrote: “Rest easy Dada Masilo ! You were thrilling on the dance floor. Happy I had opportunities to see you perform on a number of occasions! 🕊️ 🕊️.”
Rest easy Dada Masilo ! You were thrilling on the dance floor . Happy I had opportunities to see you perform on a number of occasions! 🕊️ 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/eSe4mAcYXy
— Senzeni Mthwakazi Marasela (@ArtistSenzeni) December 29, 2024
@ChichiTNel said: “Rest In peace Dada Masilo. Its was such a pleasure watching you play ‘Swan Lake’ back in Jan 2019 at Teatro Municipal de Las Condes. We had so much fun.”
Rest In peace Dada Masilo. Its was such a pleasure watching you play Swan Lake back in Jan 2019 at Teatro Municipal de Las Condes. We had so much fun. pic.twitter.com/ypwmA0GUq4
— Chichi Luonde (@ChichiTNel) December 30, 2024
Memorial and funeral details will be made public in due course.