Directors Esther Nasser and Tanya Fourie are both passionate about Dance and seek to elevate the industry standard through means of collaborating with the industry’s best. This includes experts on both national and international platforms, bringing technical precision to the forefront.
Dance Narrative holds a clear vision to enhance the medium of dance and pave the way for future dancers to excel and reach their personal goals.
As a company we trust that this initiative will prove to open up opportunities both local and abroad, setting the stage to experience local talent in excellence. For more information, please visit our social media platforms.
Dance Narrative is excited to welcome you at one of our up and coming events and remains grateful for the opportunity to enhance dance through community collaboration and the continued building and maintaining of precious industry relationships.
As a company we trust that this initiative will prove to open up opportunities both local and abroad, setting the stage to experience local talent in excellence. For more information, please visit our social media platforms.
Dance Narrative is excited to welcome you at one of our up and coming events and remains grateful for the opportunity to enhance dance through community collaboration and the continued building and maintaining of precious industry relationships.
Their life-long commitment to the Art of Dance holds testament to their passion for this art form. Through professional expertise, they continue to inspire and guide generations of dancers to reach their full potential. Meet our passionate team working to make Dance as a narrative successful.
✨ Entries Are NOW OPEN ✨
DATE: 29 June – 2 July 2026
LOCATION: Pinnacle College Copperleaf, Ernie Els Blvd, Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate, Centurion
DATE: 8 – 10 August 2026
LOCATION: Crawford La Lucia, Armstrong Avenue, KZN
Our upcoming Dance Narrative KZN Workshoppit is taking place from 8 – 10 August 2026 in KwaZulu-Natal!
DATE: 8 – 10 August 2026
LOCATION: Crawford La Lucia, Armstrong Avenue, KZN
Teachers are welcome to register to observe classes throughout the full workshop, gaining valuable insights from our expert instructors.
Dance Narrative’s Summer Workshop, held on 21–22 February 2026 in Pretoria, brought together passionate dancers for two days of focused, high-level training in an inspiring and supportive environment. Designed to challenge and elevate participants, the workshop offered a well-rounded programme that included classical ballet, contemporary movement, and body conditioning. Dancers were encouraged to refine their technique, strengthen their physicality, and enhance their overall performance quality through disciplined practice and thoughtful artistic exploration.
Guided by an experienced and dedicated faculty, dancers received valuable insight and constructive feedback that supported both technical growth and creative expression. The workshop emphasized attention to detail, musicality, and intention in movement, while also fostering confidence and individuality. By the end of the weekend, participants left feeling motivated, inspired, and better equipped to continue their dance journeys with renewed focus and passion.
The Dance Narrative Grande National Competition, held July 16-18, 2025, at Pinnacle College, Centurion, was a thrilling showcase of talent, bringing together dancers from across South Africa to compete for prestige and prizes. The event electrified the national dance scene, with participants delivering breathtaking performances, vying for top honors, and leaving an indelible mark on the stage.
Alongside the competition, the Dance Narrative Grande National Masterclasses offered an inspiring platform for dancers to elevate their craft. Held at the same venue and dates, these immersive sessions, led by industry legends, provided personalized coaching and advanced techniques, igniting passion and fostering growth among attendees.
A heartfelt congratulations to all the dancers who participated, showcasing their dedication, artistry, and courage on such a vibrant stage. Your commitment to dance inspires us all! Special applause goes to the winners of the competition, whose exceptional performances earned them well-deserved recognition and set a shining example for the South African dance community.
Both the Competition and the Masterclasses solidified Dance Narrative’s reputation as a cornerstone of South Africa’s dance community.
See the highlights of Grande National 2025 on our Instagram page.
Throughout 2025, Dance Narrative proudly presented a dynamic series of Workshops, bringing together passionate dancers from across South Africa for immersive training experiences at leading studios, including JHB Ballet Studios and Dance Studios in Pretoria.
These workshops were designed to elevate both technical excellence and artistic expression, offering dancers the opportunity to train in a wide range of disciplines such as classical ballet, contemporary movement, body conditioning, repertoire, and technique strengthening. Each intensive created a focused yet inspiring environment where dancers could challenge themselves, refine their quality of movement, and expand their versatility.
A key highlight of the 2025 workshop series was the exceptional faculty. Comprising experienced ballet masters, contemporary specialists, and conditioning experts with national and international backgrounds, the teaching team brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to every class. Their commitment to individualized attention ensured that each dancer received constructive feedback and meaningful guidance tailored to their development.
By hosting workshops across multiple venues, Dance Narrative expanded access to high-quality training, fostering a vibrant and supportive dance community throughout Johannesburg, Pretoria and South Africa.
See what the workshops was all about by checking our highlights and behind-the-scenes moments on our Instagram page!
South African-born and educated, Esther Nasser brought an in-depth knowledge of dance and extensive experience in dance company management to the position of Joburg Ballet Chief Executive Officer during her tenure as CEO from 2016 to 2023.
From 1988 to 2000 she was artistic director of the State Theatre Dance Company, one of SA’s most highly acclaimed dance companies, and in 2008 filled the same role with Mzansi Productions. Beginning in 1982, she also directed a number of independent dance companies – Movement Inc, Jozi Dance Company, Tshwane Dance Theatre – as well as being invited to work with many SA dance and ballet companies, restaging works by respected international choreographers.
As a choreographer, Nasser has created an extensive repertoire of new works to both commissioned and existing music and soundtracks, winning several awards for choreography.
Nasser became involved in inclusivity and social cohesion in dance and theatre before SA achieved democracy in 1994 and remains actively involved in the process. She has established community and outreach projects, winning the Gauteng Achievement Community/Outreach Award in 1999. Nasser has also taught and lectured at leading SA universities and technikons, and has choreographed and directed extensively for television.
Esther Nasser retired as CEO of Joburg Ballet in September 2023 but remained with the company until 8 October 2023 in the post of Production Manager for Don Quixote.
Is the proud owner of Leap for Joy Dance Studio that has respresented South Africa and the Studio numerously internationally at World Championchips and has achieved podium placements in variety of genres and competitions.
Tanya Fourie started her career in dance from the tender age of 4 years. Driven by her passion for dance and sheer determination she quickly moved through the fundamental phases and early grade levels. Eagerly seeking to showcase her gifting, she quickly reached platforms she could only have dreamed off. After completing her studies in London at Laine Theatre Arts she obtained a degree in musical teatre and acting, performing across the UK in musicals such as – The producers (UK Tour 2007), Hairspray (UK Tour 2005), Grease (UK Tour 2006), Chorus Line (UK Tour 2006) and Chicago (SA Tour 2008). In the late 2008 after a devestating hand injury the call for ministry became undeniable and she suddenly found herself walking away from the very thing saught after. Today Tanya has grown to know what it finally means to worship in Spirit and Truth. After 10 years of ministry through dance she has had the privilage to teach children and adults how to minister in excellence unto the Father and never shy away in representing the Kingdom through the medium of dance and worship. Her dance school “Leap For Joy” continues to dance with purpose and train in excellence to the Glory of God.
Married and Father of four, Cornè is passionately living out his love for family and seeing the broken-hearted come to healing and restoration. After completing his formal studies at the University of Pretoria and obtaining his Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management, he entered private enterprise at a leading Manufacturing Company. During his 12 Year appointment he advanced from junior clerk to HR Manager and subsequent to the position of General Manager over the company’s various national manufacturing plants and corporate divisions. Driven by purpose and his passion for people, Cornè stated working as a Ministry Director at MLC Ministries South Africa – Purposefully focussing on helping generations walk in healing and freedom. He obtained his formal certification and qualifications as Pastoral Minister as well as His formal Pastoral license from West Coast Ministries USA. He is currently engaged as the Director of Harah Design as well as Harah Ministries South Africa – A ministry committed to the healing and deliverance of the hurting and broken. He remains a committed counselor and continues to serve as an integrate part of MLC Ministries South Africa in reaching communities in rural Africa. His passion for the arts is fuelled by his love for music, dance and performance. “Make every effort to live a life worthy of your calling. This does not mean you will be perfect but rather perfectly positioned…” – Cornè Fourie
Melissa Greyling is a Dance Coach at Leap for Joy Dance Studios with nine years of experience in equipping dancers to reach their in the dance industry. She specialises in Ballet, Modern, and Hip-hop dance as well as Basi Pilates. Melissa uses her experience to enrich dancers to further their capabilities.
By focusing on coaching dancers, she has been able to put all the certifications she earned at various institutes to good use.
Over the years, Melissa’s strengths in her field have brought many possibilities, such as dancing overseas, judging, and of course, many teaching opportunities. Melissa may spend her days coaching, but it is the love and passion for dancers that gets her up in the morning.
DATE: 29 June – 2 July 2026
LOCATION: Pinnacle College Copperleaf, Ernie Els Blvd, Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate, Centurion
The moment you’ve been waiting for is here! Entries are officially OPEN for the Dance Narrative Grande National Competition 2026.
Join us for our 2nd Annual Grande National Competition, where dancers take the stage to shine, grow in artistry, and be celebrated with incredible sponsorships and cash awards.
This is more than just a competition — it’s a prestigious national event where passion meets purpose, and every movement tells a story.
Secure your spot and be part of something extraordinary.
Follow us on Instagram for updates and announcements!
