Inside a practice hall in the eastern part of Jo’burg, dance instructor Lee-ché Janecke led a squad of cheerleading students through a routine. Following hours of practice of everything from body rolls to vogue dance with pom-poms, the enthusiastic group surrounded Janecke to film a social media video of one of the latest amapiano trends. It was completed in just two takes.
Rising Global Impact
He has stood at the leading edge of the increasing worldwide recognition of SA movement and sound over the recent years. Partnering with performer the star since she was 17, he was responsible for the trending routine that was part of smash single “the track Water,” which catapulted the now 23-year-old African singer to global stardom.
“Talking about my path it touches me deeply to understand this is where it’s come to, and that this moment seems like a brand new chapter,” Janecke expressed.
Initial Beginnings
His childhood was spent in Bonteheuwel and later another township, both formerly classified as “Coloured” townships. Influenced by his grandfather playing music legends, he performed at celebrations. At first planned to study business after school, but succumbed to the call of performance, in which he has is self-taught.
Artistic Evolution
In the early 2010s, he delved into gender expression in dance and acknowledged himself as a gay man. He co-founded a performance group, the country’s first all-male dance team focused on vogue and whack, styles that originated in NYC’s ball culture in the late 1980s and 1990s.
His team, which expanded to include female dancers and a fashion stylist, joined numerous televised dance competitions. However, it placed as runner-up in almost all event, something Janecke blamed on the country not yet being ready for LGBTQ+ artists.
Years ago, the group was assaulted at a taxi stand as they returned from dancing at Soweto Pride. A mob converged on their vehicle, yelling and shaking the taxi from back and forth, until the driver finally urged them to leave. “It was:‘Well, it’s over for you,’” said Janecke.
Major Opportunities
By 2015, V.I.N.T.A.G.E had disbanded, as Janecke began receiving offers alone, choreographing the talent show a popular show for multiple seasons. He was brought on by Tyla’s initial team to train her. “I sensed: ‘She has something about her.’ I can see it in their eyes,” he said.
In the present day, the rehearsal was just not long after the VMAs. The artist received a trophy for Push2Start. The visual was designed by him, who was also recognized for top choreographer.
It represented the highest point of more than two years of working with Tyla worldwide on events like a TV finale to the an entertainment ceremony and a music festival. Janecke also created US and UK shows for a popular DJ and instructed dance workshops at a New York institution, the school of the a renowned company in NYC, and at a Los Angeles venue.
Next Goals
“Personally, the completion of that phase is the awards recognition,” Janecke said. He was working when he found out he had been nominated: “I immediately burst into tears. The feeling was intense, I believe I still get emotional, because … I woke up, early morning, to see the awards broadcast. I felt convinced that this moment is where my path leads.”
Using his hands as he spoke, rising to demonstrate dance moves. “I have to take the proper measures to persist in expressing and building my name out there, independent of the artists attached to it.”
He listed his ambitions – securing a US agent, collaborating with names such as pop stars to legends, and making inroads in the Korean pop industry, advertising and stage productions. He referenced fellow choreographer Robbie Blue as achieving the caliber he is confident he is able to achieving.
Remaining Loyal
Nonetheless, Janecke was clear he would maintain his partnership with Tyla: “We have a bond forever … She’s very committed about making songs and really shifting the landscape globally.”
While Janecke voiced concern that the local industry was missing the structured and seamless working environment of the United States, he affirmed he was African at heart. “My vision got a dance embraced by the whole world … therefore, for me, Lee-ché’s dream is a vision born on this continent.”