Johannesburg - The Hartbeespoort home of South Africa’s own “Dance Queen”, Tebogo Kgobokoe, is a sun-filled family house which enjoys a backdrop of the Magalies mountains and a sweeping view of the dam.
“I just love mountains and water,” says the petite mother of two boys. She’s speaking from her home, situated in her favourite area in the world – the North West, not far from where she grew up in Mafikeng.
As a dancer-turned-teacher and passionate life mentor to young aspirant dancers, she oozes enthusiasm for the discipline and the lessons it holds for the wannabe stars, many of whom have left our shores for dance troupes such as Burn the Floor, Dancing with The Stars, Strictly Come Dancing and The Washington Ballet.
“Dance is a great way to help a child tackle criticism. Whatever happens outside and in their lives, they learn that they need to get up and keep trying when they stumble,” says Kgobokoe, whose life motto is “there are no limits”.
Her life’s journey began when the Mafikeng cultural centre opened in her home town when she was young. Academically minded, Kgobokoe chose to sign up for a few courses. “I needed to get away from my strict dad and five siblings. It was like a chill pill from home.”
The young teen developed a talent, starting out as a multi-disciplined dancer and taking to the world stage. She studied accounting, but, yearning for the physicality of dance, she continued competing.
Her teaching work started at the Mmabana Cultural Centre in Mmabatho, North West, where she later became a choreographer and development officer while representing South Africa in competitions locally and internationally.
She has taught dance for over 16 years, opening her own academy in Hartbeespoort and a training studio in Pretoria which she hopes will grow.
The Tebogo Kgobokoe Arts Academy is the first academy of its kind; a dance education system with a strong emphasis on academic standards, achieved through partnership with the Mountain Cambridge School.
At the age of 16 she experienced a life highlight, coming second in ballroom (Latin American) in the Dutch open. The dynamic 40-year-old has since won many prestigious awards, but her ultimate achievement has been to develop skills in youngsters. “I want the kids to learn life skills and business acumen as well as dance – life is about all these things. That’s why we are partnering with Cambridge.”
Brick and mortar could not contain this vibrant soul, nor her two energetic sons.
“I love the airy feel of my home and the large windows which let in light. Although we’ve only been here for two months, we were on the same estate before so we know the area.”
Kgobokoe, who describes herself as an “intensely private” person, says they enjoy the local food stalls which are cheaper than supermarkets and “so much fresher”. She loves to cook and says her sons cook exciting meals with her in their open-plan kitchen-living area.
“My boys are home-schooled by my brother-in-law who lives in the same complex, Kosmos Ridge, and they enjoy a freedom I think all children should experience.”
The 4-bedroom house is decorated in a classic, contemporary style and boasts a small pool with an entertainer’s patio. Kgobokoe says her look is a “combination of outdoors and classic, but homely”.
Even when she is at home, Kgobokoe is working, planning how she can improve young lives.
“There is no measure for talent. Hard work, sound moral grounding, perseverance and excellence are the only ways to stay ahead of the pack.
“There is no prescribed book on what one can achieve and attain. Who says it has to be the same path as everyone else?”
* The arts academy is holding an open day October 17 at The Mountain Cambridge School. For more: http://www.themcs.co.za/
Samantha Hartshorne, Saturday Star