GROOVE

About the Performance

In the performance Groove, choreographer Mari Raudsepp has joined forces with three South African dancers. Together they bring gqom—a powerful, uncompromising dance style from Durban’s street and club scene, where men usually dominate the stage.

In Groove, the guys are benched as four attitude-filled women step forward and lay claim to the style. Together, they take control of the dance’s pulse and vibe, setting the tone for the evening.

Expect synchronized movement, rapid footwork, and facial expressions you did not know existed. Here, the raw energy and distinct character of gqom dance are celebrated, allowing each dancer’s creativity and personality to shine through. Do not miss the chance to experience a new and exciting dance world!

Mari Raudsepp

Raudsepp primarily practices, competes, and teaches the dance styles house and gqom. During a trip to Durban, she discovered gqom and decided to create the performance Groove. Mari’s artistic work with house and gqom is rooted in her interest in how social dances can be expressed in a stage and choreographic context. The work Groove is grounded in the traditions of gqom dance.

Gqom dance

Gqom dance originated in Durban’s lokshins (townships) and grew out of the music style of the same name. Gqom music emerged in the early 2010s in the city’s lokshins (townships) and soon developed its own step combinations. Gqom dance is divided into two parts: bhenga and ijithi. Bhenga comes from Durban’s clubs, and its main elements are groovy upper-body movements with basic steps such as wosho, gwarra gwarra, and walkye phara. Ijithi, in turn, is based on fast footwork and has roots in the dance style Pantsula—footwork characterized by so-called “heel-to-shuffle” techniques.

Artistic director, concept, choreography and producer: Mari Raudsepp
Co-choreographers, co-created with: Yolanda Joja, Bridgette Londiwe Nompilo
Msomi, Celumusa Lindelwa Thobeka N Maphumulo
Dancers: Yolanda Joja, Bridgette Londiwe Nompilo Msomi, Celumusa
Lindelwa Thobeka N Maphumulo, Mari Raudsepp
Lighting: Alba Rask (2025) Erik Wiedersheim-Paul (2026)
Outside eye: Maureen Asic (2025)
Co-production: Dansens hus, Dansnät Sverige,
Photo: Elahe Ashrafi, Anton Höjer, Karl-Oskar Gustafsson
Video: Karl-Oskar Gustafsson, Elahe Ashrafi
The performance has been developed during residencies at Dalateatern, the Swedish Arts Grants Committee, and Studiefrämjandet Stockholm.

Touring with Dansnät Sverige in spring 2025 and autumn 2026.