In living memory

District Six is a hugely painful subject for many ex-residents, still haunted by the memories of their once close-knit community. One of the ways many remember it is through art: dance, music, writing and theatre – in celebration and remembrance of who they were, what they lost and what they want to reclaim.

- CAROLINE PETERSEN

‘Dulcie Howes told me I would never, ever get a job in London- not because of my colour, but because I was too short. I didn’t care.’

On pointe

Johaar Mosaval, ballet dancer

‘Ballet has always been in my life,’ says 92-year-old Johaar Mosaval. ‘When I was about two – practically as soon as I could walk – my parents would put me on top of the table, clap hands and sing for me, and I would start dancing. If I didn’t want to do it, they would throw pennies on the table to get me to dance. I knew I could use that to buy chocolates!’

Growing up in District Six, Johaar’s knack for gymnastics and performing in his school’s pantomimes caught the attention of a talent scout, and he started studying ballet under Dulcie Howes, the founder of The University Ballet School (now known as Cape Town City Ballet). By the time he was 19, Johar had caught the attention of the ballet community, and at 22, he was sent to study ballet in London at the Sadler’s Wells Ballet School (The Royal Ballet School), with the help of sponsors. ‘Dulcie Howes told me I would never, ever get a job in London – not because of my colour, but because I was too short. I didn’t care.’

The comment made Johaar all the more determined. ‘I did four classes a day; I even worked after class. I’d carry on jumping, jumping, jumping – practising the things I couldn’t do well.’