Antsa Ramakavelo, a passionate Malagasy dancer, has reignited her love for dance after a brief hiatus. She has founded her own dance company, Stand'AR, and teaches at the Harmonia wellness and fitness institute in Ivandry. Her dance lessons also serve as life lessons, focusing on self-acceptance, creativity, and letting go. Ramakavelo's journey into dance began at the age of 15, when she was a rebellious teenager struggling with family conflicts and addictions.
Ramakavelo's entry into the world of dance was a turning point in her life, helping her overcome her struggles and find solace in movement. She further honed her skills in France, where she studied dance, and later discovered the school of renowned choreographer Mialy Rajohnson upon her return to Madagascar. Under Mialy's guidance, Ramakavelo diversified her dance styles, mastering hip-hop, modern jazz, contemporary, and classical dance. Her specialization lies in street jazz, a high-energy discipline that combines elements of hip-hop and modern jazz.
Ramakavelo's experience with the Compagnie Mialy played a significant role in shaping her dance career. She cites her biggest challenge as the successful staging of the Barea Stadium show, where she managed a team of 50 dancers, handled choreography, and oversaw the production. This accomplishment proved to her that she was capable of leadership and earned her the right to be considered a choreographer. Ramakavelo continues to draw inspiration from international choreographers, including Yanis Marshall and Brian Friedman.
Ramakavelo's dance style, street jazz, is characterized by its energetic and urban flair, with a strong emphasis on femininity. She explains that this style allows her to express two facets of her personality, combining her love for urban dance with her appreciation for feminine movement. Ramakavelo's teaching philosophy focuses on empowering her students to develop self-acceptance, creativity, and confidence through dance.
As a dance instructor, Ramakavelo emphasizes the importance of humility and continuous learning. She credits Mialy Rajohnson for instilling in her the value of perpetual learning and self-improvement. To stay updated, Ramakavelo takes online courses and attends workshops and dance stages whenever possible. She encourages her students to adopt a similar growth mindset, stressing that it is possible to make a living from one's art in Madagascar, but it requires seizing opportunities, creating projects, and perseverance.
Ramakavelo's passion for dance extends beyond her own performances and teaching. She aims to share the benefits of dance with her community, highlighting its therapeutic potential and capacity to foster self-expression. By teaching dance classes that focus on self-acceptance, creativity, and letting go, Ramakavelo hopes to inspire her students to find their own solace in movement.
Today, Ramakavelo's dance company, Stand'AR, continues to grow, and she remains committed to promoting the art of dance in Madagascar. Her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of dance, which has enabled her to overcome personal struggles and find her true calling as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor.
Key points
- Antsa Ramakavelo's dance career has been shaped by her experiences with the Compagnie Mialy and her studies in France.
- Ramakavelo's teaching philosophy focuses on empowering students to develop self-acceptance, creativity, and confidence through dance.
- Ramakavelo's specialization in street jazz combines elements of hip-hop and modern jazz, characterized by its high-energy and urban flair.
