The floor shakes as the thunderous beat of drums and foot stomping resound through the African Dance Theatre.
Here a 12-member dance ensemble and a nine-member marimba and brass band ignite the stage with song and dance.
Formerly known as The Space Theatre, and now owned by Tania Gardy and Debbie Bird, the theatre situated in Long street can seat up to 172 people.
For one hour, audiences are taken through an African musical journey. From the ancient rituals of stick fighting to warrior dances, the energy is felt with every thud.
Choreographed by UCT-trained dance and movement teacher and performer, Silumko Kokoyana, a story following just about every African dance style is fused to well-known tracks such as We Are Growing, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Shosholoza and Patta Patta.
Dressed as mine workers in overalls and gumboots, the dancers capture the essence of life as a migrant worker, with a slap of their boots.
We are taken to the jiving township of Meadowlands in the 1940s and 1950s, with delightful humour shared shown in the cast’s quirky moves and personalities.
Fast-forwarding to modern Pantsula and kwaito beats, the high-energy rhythms are main- tained from beginning to end.
With a backdrop of emotive imagery that enhances the African journey, a slice of Africa can be had whether you’re a tourist or a local.
• The African Dance, Mondays to Saturdays.Tickets: R160 at www.webtickets.co.za or at the theatre from 10am each day.