At just 20 years old, Malagasy dancer and choreographer Kezia Jonah has already made a name for herself in the international dance scene, representing Madagascar in various competitions. Her dream is to become a professional dancer and she has been working tirelessly to achieve it. Currently, she is the only Malagasy dancer studying traditional and contemporary dance at the prestigious École des Sables in Senegal.
The École des Sables, founded by Germaine Acogny 20 years ago, is renowned for teaching African contemporary dance and helping artists discover their identity. During her three-year program, Kezia Jonah had the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors such as Julie Dossavi, Karyn Vyncke, Allesandra Seutin, and Jonathan Burrows. She also benefited from exchanging ideas with fellow dancers who shared her passion for becoming professional dancers.
However, Kezia Jonah's journey to success was not without its challenges. She faced significant financial obstacles, which required her to be resourceful and determined. To fund her education, she had to organize fundraising events, sell sandwiches, and even cover the cost of her plane ticket and registration fees herself. Despite these hurdles, she persevered and successfully completed her studies.
Kezia Jonah's passion for dance began at a young age, with her practicing hip hop since she was 12 years old. Her talent was recognized when she won the Expérimental prize at the Ambony Ambany urban dance festival in 2020, competing against 14 dancers in a 10-minute non-stop performance. Although she missed out on participating in a project on female empowerment in Ouagadougou due to financial constraints and border closures, she continued to work on her craft.
In 2020, Kezia Jonah created her first choreographic piece, Ampela (Femme), inspired by real-life stories of women. Her creative process involves extensive research and discussions, followed by the development of basic movements and the use of traditional gestures to represent individual identities. She believes that dance is a powerful language that allows artists to address pressing issues and spark conversations.
Kezia Jonah's hard work and dedication have earned her recognition in the dance community. In December, she was a finalist in the 4th edition of the Africa Simply The Best competition in Bobo-Diaoulasso, Burkina Faso, which rewards the best contemporary dance solos. She represented Madagascar with her piece Beloved, which highlights the experiences of women. The competition was founded by choreographer Serge Aime Coulibaly, who is also the artistic director and founder of Ankata, an international laboratory for research, creation, and production of performing arts.
Kezia Jonah plans to tour her choreographic pieces, continuing to share her passion for dance and inspire others. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. With her talent and dedication, Kezia Jonah is sure to make a lasting impact in the world of dance.
Key points
- Kezia Jonah, a 20-year-old Malagasy dancer and choreographer, has overcome financial obstacles to achieve success in the international dance scene.
- She is the only Malagasy dancer studying traditional and contemporary dance at the École des Sables in Senegal.
- Kezia Jonah plans to tour her choreographic pieces, continuing to share her passion for dance and inspire others.
