Clanwilliam hosts Khoi San dance competition

Aviwe “Pro” Nyamende. Photo courtesy of Nyamende.

Isaac Petersen

24 October 2012

Isaac Petersen attended the semifinals of an ongoing Rieldans competition held in Clanwillam on Saturday, 20 October 2012. He sent us these wonderful photos.

According to the website Infecting the City Rieldans is one of the oldest dancing styles in South Africa that can be traced back to the Khoi San of the Cape. Also known as ikhapara by the Nama, it’s danced at an energetic pace, and demands fancy footwork. Often performed in a circle, the dance is about wooing and lovemaking, and takes some of its moves from animal courtship rituals, particularly the ostrich.