A Dance of Millennial Narratives: InSPIRAtions Initiative Premieres “Un-Touched” in Cape Town

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On March 28, 2025, Cape Town will light up with an exciting dance performance called “Un-Touched.” This show brings together talented South African artists to explore the lives and stories of millennials through vibrant dance and live music. With breathtaking views from the Nasdak Rooftop V, the performance aims to challenge old ideas and celebrate the creativity and strength of a generation. Tickets are just R200, making it a great chance for everyone to enjoy this inspiring event that promises to capture the spirit of today’s youth. “Un-Touched” is more than a dance; it’s a celebration of resilience and a call for change.

What is the significance of the “Un-Touched” dance performance in Cape Town?

The “Un-Touched” performance, premiering on 28 March 2025, showcases millennial narratives through contemporary dance and live music, highlighting resilience and creativity. It features renowned South African artists and aims to challenge societal norms, making it a pivotal cultural milestone for the millennial generation.

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Setting the Stage for a Millennial Odyssey

As the sun dips below the horizon on 28 March 2025, Cape Town’s Nasdak Rooftop V transforms into a stage for an extraordinary dance performance that captures the spirit of millennials. This unique production, named “Un-Touched,” is the brainchild of the newly-formed Dance for All InSPIRAtions Dance and Performance Initiative, generously supported by the National Arts Council.

This initiative brings together the talents of South Africa’s dance luminaries, including the legendary Adele Blank, and modern innovators such as Yaseen Manuel, Allison Hendricks, Mthetheleli Dlakavu, Thimna Thethani, Philasande Majikela, and Stacy Barrios. The InSPIRAtions Youth Company, formed under this umbrella, seeks to delve into the global and local forces shaping the millennial experience through diverse choreographic expressions.

Allison Hendricks, the CEO and Artistic Director of Dance for All South Africa, articulates the groundbreaking nature of this project: “This marks the inaugural performance from the InSPIRAtions Dance and Performance Initiative,” she says. “Featuring live music from talented musicians of the South African College of Music and interludes by the acclaimed Elton Lodewyk, this event promises to be a transformative experience.”

The Fusion of Dance and Music

Elton Lodewyk, a distinguished composer, pianist, and singer based in Europe, adds a unique auditory dimension to the production. His globally-recognized compositions are set to enhance the performance, creating a multi-sensory journey that resonates with the millennial zeitgeist.

Adele Blank, affectionately known as “South Africa’s Mother of Contemporary Dance,” has been a pivotal figure in classical ballet and contemporary dance for over fifty years. Her dedication to inclusivity and breaking down social barriers through dance is profoundly reflected in “Un-Touched.” Blank’s piece examines the intricate cultural, intellectual, ethical, social, and political landscapes that today’s millennials navigate.

Philasande Majikela, a multifaceted actor, dancer, and choreographer, presents a thought-provoking work titled “ADULTING.” Majikela’s piece challenges societal norms and the pressures placed on both men and women. He explains, “ADULTING represents how individuals should feel empowered to present themselves authentically, not as society dictates. The societal pressure on men to conform to specific norms, like the stigma against men dancing, needs to be questioned. Similarly, women should feel free to embrace their femininity in corporate environments without needing to adopt traditionally masculine traits to succeed.”

Unveiling Millennial Resilience and Creativity

The overarching theme of resilience, creativity, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world lies at the heart of the millennial experience, which “Un-Touched” seeks to depict. Hendricks underscores the significance of this narrative: “Through choreography, we aim to help millennials articulate their stories using the universal language of movement and music.”

This initiative not only highlights the extraordinary talent within South Africa’s dance community but also aims to foster a deeper understanding of the millennial generation’s challenges and victories. With its panoramic views of Cape Town, the Nasdak Rooftop V offers a stunning backdrop for a performance that promises to be both visually and emotionally captivating.

The choice of Nasdak Rooftop V is deliberate. Known for its cutting-edge events, this venue adds a layer of sophistication and modernity to the performance. The open-air setting under the vast sky symbolizes the boundless possibilities and horizons awaiting millennials. It’s a place that encourages introspection and connection, crucial to the themes explored in “Un-Touched.”

An Accessible Celebration of Art

Tickets for this eagerly awaited event are priced at R200, making it accessible to a broad audience eager to engage with contemporary dance and its powerful narratives. The blend of live music and dance guarantees an enriching and entertaining experience, showcasing the talents of South African artists on an international platform.

As Cape Town gears up to host this groundbreaking event, anticipation builds for what is set to be a landmark in the South African dance calendar. “Un-Touched” stands as a testament to the power of art to reflect, challenge, and inspire. The collaboration between seasoned veterans and emerging talent epitomizes the dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences that define the millennial era.

The evening of 28 March 2025 at Nasdak Rooftop V promises to be unforgettable. Through the medium of dance, “Un-Touched” offers a unique perspective on the complex and multifaceted world of millennials. This performance is not merely a showcase; it is a dialogue, an exploration, and a celebration of what it means to be a millennial today.

A Cultural Milestone

In the end, “Un-Touched” transcends being just a dance performance. It represents a cultural milestone, inviting audiences to experience the power of movement and music as tools for understanding and expression. It calls for recognition and appreciation of the resilience and creativity of a generation that continues to shape our world in profound ways.

This initiative underscores the potential of art to function as a mirror to society, reflecting its intricacies while challenging its norms. As the InSPIRAtions Dance and Performance Initiative takes its first steps, it does so with the promise of a future where art continues to be a powerful medium for change and connection.

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What is “Un-Touched”?

“Un-Touched” is a dance performance premiering on March 28, 2025, at Cape Town’s Nasdak Rooftop V. It explores millennial narratives through contemporary dance and live music, aiming to highlight the resilience and creativity of this generation.

Who are the featured artists in “Un-Touched”?

The performance showcases a collaboration of talented South African artists, including renowned figures like Adele Blank and modern innovators such as Yaseen Manuel, Allison Hendricks, Mthetheleli Dlakavu, Thimna Thethani, Philasande Majikela, and Stacy Barrios. The InSPIRAtions Youth Company will also contribute to the performance.

What themes does “Un-Touched” address?

“Un-Touched” addresses themes of resilience, creativity, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. It seeks to depict the multifaceted experiences of millennials, challenging societal norms and celebrating individual authenticity through the universal language of dance and music.

Where is the performance taking place, and why was this venue chosen?

The performance will take place at Nasdak Rooftop V, known for its cutting-edge events and stunning panoramic views of Cape Town. The open-air setting symbolizes the boundless possibilities and horizons awaiting millennials, adding a layer of sophistication to the event.

How much do tickets cost, and where can I purchase them?

Tickets for “Un-Touched” are priced at R200, making it accessible to a wide audience. They can typically be purchased through the event’s official website or at the venue, providing an enriching experience that combines contemporary dance and powerful narratives.

What is the significance of the InSPIRAtions Dance and Performance Initiative?

The InSPIRAtions Dance and Performance Initiative is a new platform aimed at showcasing South African dance talent while addressing contemporary issues relevant to millennials. “Un-Touched” marks its inaugural performance, emphasizing the potential of art as a medium for change and connection within society.
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Lerato Mokena is a Cape Town-based journalist who covers the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene with a focus on emerging voices from Khayelitsha to the Bo-Kaap. Born and raised at the foot of Table Mountain, she brings an insider’s eye to how creativity shapes—and is shaped by—South Africa’s complex social landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, Lerato can be found surfing Muizenberg’s gentle waves or debating politics over rooibos in her grandmother’s Gugulethu kitchen.

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