The term, “ingoma” literally translates as an “anthem” in the isiZulu language, however nowadays it tends to refer to the many and varied dance styles that exist within the Zulu culture, particularly in the competitive arena. Groups who enter the competition will be judged on their performances in the following seven dance style categories: oMama Besigekle, uShameni, Ingoma Yezinsizwa, Ingoma Yezintombi, Ingoma Sekhuze, Indlamu and uMzansi.

Traditionally, each particular dance is performed by specific people of a particular age, gender and status and at a particular time or period such as a season or a month of an event such as a wedding. Body position and movements are highly specific to the particular dance style and region. In fact, even with a region such as KwaZulu-Natal, dance styles may vary from village to village. Dance among Zulu people is said to operate similarly to language and a medium through which to communicate history.

“The Playhouse Company’s mandate is to produce equitable programmes of live theatre productions in the fields of music, drama and dance which are representative of all our diverse cultural groups that comprise the population of KwaZulu-Natal. We are proud that as an institution we have been able to cement our reputation in producing a competition of this magnitude which upholds and celebrates our wonderful various traditional art forms,” said The Playhouse Company’s CEO and Artistic Director, Ms Linda Bukhosini.