A scene from JOMBA!’s 2025 FEMALE FORWARD dance residency viewing on Saturday 31 August at Stable Theatre. Photograph by Val Adamson.

Empowering Women in Dance: Noxolo Mbotho on JOMBA! Female Forward 2025

An interview with Celimpilo Cele

This conversation with Noxolo Mbotho, a young dancer from Umlazi, explores the challenges women face in the local dance industry and the importance of representation, inclusivity, and opportunity. As a participant in the JOMBA! FEMALE FORWARD Dance Residency 2025 — the brainchild of Thobile Maphanga and led by choreographer Gaby Saranouffi — Noxolo shares her journey, insights, and reflections on the power of dance to drive social change.

Celimpilo Cele (CC): Hi, I’m Celimpilo Cele, but you can call me Mpilo. I’m here with Noxolo Mbotho, a talented young dancer from Umlazi. Noxolo, thanks for sharing your story with me today.

Noxolo Mbotho (NM): Hi Mpilo, thanks for having me. My name is Noxolo Mbotho, I’m 27 years old, and I was raised by my grandmother. I started exploring drama in high school, but it wasn’t until I discovered dance at university that I found my true passion.

CC: That’s fascinating. Can you tell me more about your journey to dance? What drew you to it?

NM: In high school, I struggled with acting and performing monologues. But when I got to university and was introduced to dance, I fell in love with the freedom of expression through movement. It’s been a game-changer for me.

CC: I can relate to that. Now, can you share with me your experience with the JOMBA! Female Forward Dance Residency 2025? How did you find the programme?

NM: The audition process was nerve-wracking, but the opportunity to learn from renowned choreographers and dancers was too good to pass up. The programme taught me the value of perseverance, creativity, and self-expression. It was an incredible experience.

CC: How did the residency contribute to your growth as a dancer and artist?

NM: The programme was life-changing. I was surrounded by strong, supportive women who believed in me. Mam Gaby’s training pushed me to be a stronger, faster learner. It really contributed to my creativity and skill.

CC: Last question: if you had the power to change something in the dance industry as a female, what would it be?

NM: I’d emphasise the importance of representation and inclusivity. I’d encourage more females to become choreographers and inspire young dancers. I’d like to see more female choreographers and fewer male choreographers, given the current lack of representation.

Noxolo Mbotho’s journey through the JOMBA! FEMALE FORWARD Dance Residency 2025 underscores the transformative power of mentorship, collaboration, and creative exploration. Her experience reflects the importance of platforms that prioritise women’s voices in dance, offering space to experiment, grow, and inspire others. Noxolo’s story is a celebration of female talent, ambition, and the potential of dance to drive both personal and collective expression.