Vincent Mantsoe


Vincent Mantsoe is a South African dancer and choreographer. Raised in the Soweto township outside Johannesburg, he combines the street dance of his childhood with traditional and contemporary dance styles. Spirituality and the cultural influences of African, Aboriginal Australian, Asian, contemporary, and ballet traditions are important influences on Mantsoe's work. He is also the founder of Association Noa.
He developed “KOBA”, a unique training method "where one can swim in a pool of energy within, to transcend the physical limitations of the body." He gives masterclasses around the world in this technique.
“What is key for me is to have respect for every aspect of movement I bring into my work. Dance for me is about living the maximum possibility of the past and the present. When I’m on stage, I’m no longer Vincent Sekwati Koko Mantsoe, I represent something larger. I am the past, carrying my ancestors into the present and into the new generation. Understanding and respecting this knowledge is very important. Without tlhompho le botho ba hao, you’re just a body,” Mantsoe says.

Career

Education

Mantsoe began his training in 1990 with Johannesburg's Moving Into Dance Company.

Awards

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  • 1992, African Soul
  • 1993, Gula `Bird`
  • 1997, Mpheyane `Deceit`
  • 1998, Phokwane
  • 2000, Barena `Chief`
  • 2001, Motswa-Hole `Person from far away`
  • 2002, Bupiro-Mukiti `Dance of life`
  • 2003, NDAA `Greetings`
  • 2005, NTU `Nothing`
  • 2007, EBHOFOLO `This madness`
  • 2009, LEFA, Introdanse
  • 2011, NTU/// Recreation
  • 2025, 'Desert Poems'