99: Theo Ndindwa - I am not my environment

I had the absolute privilege of meeting and interviewing Theo Ndindwa, who is for those who don't know, one of the first internationally recognised black ballet dancers in South Africa. He was selected to be part of a Nutcracker production in the early 90’s which was the first multiracial ballet production in post Apartheid South Africa. Then aged 12 he had the foresight to see that this was an opportunity to greater possibilities than what he had dreamt available to him till that point. Theo threw himself into the ballet world which took him to great heights, ultimately studying and dancing at some of the top institutions in Europe.

But he knew in his heart that he was destined to return home to South Africa to play his part in providing the opportunity he was given to children from similar disadvantaged backgrounds. Having successfully run Ikapa Dance with his wife for 15 years doing just that, Theo now finds himself in search of the next challenge, how to expand and scale this type of access to creativity and education to the townships of South Africa.

Theo is a legend, generous with his time and his heart and I could not help being totally inspired by his story. Its a story of vision, will and passion. Enjoy.