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Inside a practice hall in east Johannesburg, dance instructor Lee-ché Janecke coached a group of cheerleading students through choreographed moves. After five hours of everything from body rolls to vogue dance with pom-poms, the energized group gathered round Janecke to film a short clip of one of the latest local dance viral moves. They were done in a couple of tries.

Expanding Worldwide Presence

Lee-ché has remained at the leading edge of the growing global appeal of South African music and dance over the last several years. Having worked with singer the star since she was 17, he choreographed the trending routine that accompanied breakout track “the song Water,” which catapulted the young South African performer to international recognition.

“When I speak about my journey it makes me emotional to know how far it’s arrived at, and that this moment seems like a brand new chapter,” he said.

Early Roots

He was raised in a community in Cape Town and later Eldorado Park, both historically referred to as “mixed-race” areas. Inspired by his grandfather playing Madonna and Michael Jackson, he performed at gatherings. He initially planned to study business after school, but succumbed to the pull of movement, in which he has never been formally trained.

Professional Evolution

Over a decade ago, Janecke was exploring identity in dance and acknowledged himself as gay. He helped establish V.I.N.T.A.G.E, South Africa’s first all-male dance team focused on vogue and whack, styles that emerged in New York’s ball culture in the late 1980s and 1990s.

His team, which expanded to include female dancers and a costume designer, participated in numerous televised dance competitions. But, it finished second in nearly every one it entered, something Janecke linked to the country not yet being ready for queer performers.

During one incident, the group was attacked at a minibus taxi rank as they travelled back from dancing at Soweto Pride. A mob converged on their transport, shouting and shaking the vehicle from side to side, until the conductor finally urged them to break up. “It felt like:‘Well, this is the end for you,’” shared Janecke.

Breakthrough Achievements

Eventually, the group dissolved, as Janecke was hired solo, choreographing the talent show a broadcast series for an extended period. He was brought on by the singer’s initial team to coach her. “I sensed: ‘She has something about this artist.’ I can see it in her eyes,” he expressed.

In the present day, a practice session was just a few days after the MTV Video Music Awards. Tyla received a trophy for her song. The video was staged under his direction, who was also nominated for top choreographer.

It marked the pinnacle of more than two years of collaborating with Tyla internationally on projects including a TV finale to the a music awards show and a major event. Janecke also designed US and UK shows for DJ Uncle Waffles and led dance workshops at a New York institution, the space of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in NYC, and at an LA-based space.

Upcoming Goals

“In my view, the completion of that phase is the industry acknowledgment,” Janecke said. He was on set when he found out he had been shortlisted: “I at once became emotional. It overwhelmed me, I feel I continue to feel moved, because … I sat up, in the night, to view the VMAs live. I felt convinced that this moment is where my future awaits.”

He gestured as he spoke, rising to show routines. “It is essential to take the proper measures to persist in expressing and getting this brand known, away from the names linked to it.”

He outlined his ambitions – securing a US agent, collaborating with names such as international acts to Beyoncé and Madonna, and breaking into the Asian entertainment scene, advertising and musicals. He referenced fellow choreographer an industry name as achieving the standard he is confident he is able to attaining.

Staying True

Nonetheless, Janecke was clear he would maintain his partnership with Tyla: “That’s my girl forever … She remains dedicated about making songs and really transforming the landscape in the industry.”

Although Janecke voiced disappointment that his home country did not have the intentional and efficient working environment of the America, he said he was South African at heart. “My vision achieved a routine embraced by the international community … therefore, to my mind, Lee-ché’s dream is an African dream.”