Mthuthuzeli November is a dynamic and influential choreographer from South Africa, rapidly emerging as one of the leading voices in contemporary ballet. His journey into dance began later than most—at the age of 15—through the outreach program Dance For All. This late start didn’t hold him back, as he quickly excelled, winning a gold medal at the South African Ballet Competition in 2014. He joined the Cape Dance Company for a year before making a significant move to London in 2015 to dance with Ballet Black. There, he made his choreographic debut, creating his first ballet for the company in 2016.
Since then, Mthuthuzeli’s career has skyrocketed. His work has been performed by prestigious companies such as Northern Ballet, Cape Dance Company, Zurich Ballet, and even at the iconic Glastonbury Festival. One of his notable achievements came in 2020, when his work Ingoma with Ballet Black won the Olivier Award for ‘Best Dance Production.’ Mthuthuzeli’s unique blend of classical ballet and African rhythms, combined with his fresh approach to storytelling, has earned him recognition in the global dance community.
In 2024, Mthuthuzeli will expand his influence further as an Associate with the Dutch National Ballet Academy (NBA), marking a significant new chapter in his career. In this role, he will collaborate closely with the academy, creating works for its students and helping shape their training with a distinct fusion of African and classical dance elements. His work with NBA students will offer them unparalleled opportunities to learn from a choreographer who is at the forefront of ballet’s evolving future.
Mthuthuzeli’s affiliation with the NBA will not only inspire the next generation of dancers but also foster a unique educational exchange between different dance worlds. His collaborations with the NBA’s teaching team will focus on creating innovative educational pathways that integrate diverse cultural influences into ballet, ensuring that ballet remains a vibrant and evolving art form in the 21st century. Through this partnership, Mthuthuzeli will continue to push the boundaries of classical dance and shape the future of ballet for years to come.
