About

Dance Narrative was established in 2024 and is a conjoined effort involving some of the world's leading experts in the art of Dance.

Directors Esther Nasser and Tanya Fourie are both passionate about Dance and seek to elevate the industry standard through means of collaborating with the industry’s best. This includes experts on both national and international platforms, bringing technical precision to the forefront.

Dance Narrative holds a clear vision to enhance the medium of dance and pave the way for future dancers to excel and reach their personal goals.

As a company we trust that this initiative will prove to open up opportunities both local and abroad, setting the stage to experience local talent in excellence. For more information, please visit our social media platforms.

Dance Narrative is excited to welcome you at one of our up and coming events and remains grateful for the opportunity to enhance dance through community collaboration and the continued building and maintaining of precious industry relationships.

DNW

As a company we trust that this initiative will prove to open up opportunities both local and abroad, setting the stage to experience local talent in excellence. For more information, please visit our social media platforms.

Dance Narrative is excited to welcome you at one of our up and coming events and remains grateful for the opportunity to enhance dance through community collaboration and the continued building and maintaining of precious industry relationships.

Meet the team

Their life-long commitment to the Art of Dance holds testament to their passion for this art form. Through professional expertise, they continue to inspire and guide generations of dancers to reach their full potential. Meet our passionate team working to make Dance as a narrative successful.

Esther Nasser

Esther Nasser

Dance Narrative Director

Tanya Fourie

Tanya Fourie

Dance Narrative Director

Corné Fourie

Corné Fourie

Executive Committee

Melissa Greyling

Melissa Greyling

Executive Committee

Golden Line from Team

Workshops

MISSION AND VISION

  • To highlight the precision of technique taught.
  • To enhance the depth of coaching, in order to better understand the historical and traditional methodology of the style relevant to the work taught.
  • To challenge the dancer’s understanding of the work they are executing.
  • To enable the Narrative to reach out to those not in the position to be part of such activations on an ongoing basis.
  • To establish ongoing communication between the local and international dance communities.

Summer Workshoppit

DATE: 21- 23 November 2025
LOCATION: Bronberg Mountain Estate, Plot 182 Graham Road, Zwavelpoort, Pretoria, 0081

Our Summer Workshoppit will prove to inspire and excel the quality of movement as we continue to work with the industry best…

Summer Workshoppit (Teachers)

DATE: 21- 23 November 2025
LOCATION: Bronberg Mountain Estate, Plot 182 Graham Road, Zwavelpoort, Pretoria, 0081

Our Summer Workshoppit will prove to inspire and excel the quality of movement as we continue to work with the industry best…

Dance Narrative Grande National Masterclasses and Competition

Dance Narrative Grande National 2025

The Dance Narrative Grande National Competition, held July 16-18, 2025, at Pinnacle College, Centurion, was a thrilling showcase of talent, bringing together dancers from across South Africa to compete for prestige and prizes. The event electrified the national dance scene, with participants delivering breathtaking performances, vying for top honors, and leaving an indelible mark on the stage.

Alongside the competition, the Dance Narrative Grande National Masterclasses offered an inspiring platform for dancers to elevate their craft. Held at the same venue and dates, these immersive sessions, led by industry legends, provided personalized coaching and advanced techniques, igniting passion and fostering growth among attendees.

A heartfelt congratulations to all the dancers who participated, showcasing their dedication, artistry, and courage on such a vibrant stage. Your commitment to dance inspires us all! Special applause goes to the winners of the competition, whose exceptional performances earned them well-deserved recognition and set a shining example for the South African dance community.

Both the Competition and the Masterclasses solidified Dance Narrative’s reputation as a cornerstone of South Africa’s dance community.

See the highlights of Grande National 2025 on our Instagram.

Winter Workshop

Autumn Workshoppit

From April 5th to 7th, 2025, Dance Narrative hosted an inspiring Autumn workshop at JHB Ballet Studios that elevated dancers’ skills and artistry to new heights. This immersive event provided participants with a unique opportunity to work alongside some of the industry’s best, gaining exposure to a diverse range of disciplines, including classical ballet, contemporary movement, body conditioning, and technique strengthening. With a focus on refining the quality of movement, the workshop not only enhanced dancers’ technical abilities but also fostered creativity and expression. Whether deepening their repertoire or improving overall physicality, dancers of all levels were challenged and inspired throughout the event.

Read more about our exceptional faculty members who made the Autumn workshop a truly transformative experience. Each instructor brought a wealth of experience and expertise, having worked with renowned companies and dance schools worldwide. From seasoned ballet masters to cutting-edge contemporary choreographers, our faculty’s diverse backgrounds ensured a well-rounded and enriching learning environment. With personalized attention and a passion for nurturing talent, our instructors pushed dancers to explore new boundaries in both technical execution and creative expression. Their commitment to fostering growth and excellence was evident in every class, making this workshop an unforgettable journey for all involved.

See what the Autumn workshop was all about by checking out highlights and behind-the-scenes moments on our Instagram!

Esther Nasser

Esther Nasser

Esther Nasser

South African-born and educated, Esther Nasser brought an in-depth knowledge of dance and extensive experience in dance company management to the position of Joburg Ballet Chief Executive Officer during her tenure as CEO from 2016 to 2023.

From 1988 to 2000 she was artistic director of the State Theatre Dance Company, one of SA’s most highly acclaimed dance companies, and in 2008 filled the same role with Mzansi Productions. Beginning in 1982, she also directed a number of independent dance companies – Movement Inc, Jozi Dance Company, Tshwane Dance Theatre – as well as being invited to work with many SA dance and ballet companies, restaging works by respected international choreographers.

As a choreographer, Nasser has created an extensive repertoire of new works to both commissioned and existing music and soundtracks, winning several awards for choreography.

Nasser became involved in inclusivity and social cohesion in dance and theatre before SA achieved democracy in 1994 and remains actively involved in the process. She has established community and outreach projects, winning the Gauteng Achievement Community/Outreach Award in 1999. Nasser has also taught and lectured at leading SA universities and technikons, and has choreographed and directed extensively for television.

Esther Nasser retired as CEO of Joburg Ballet in September 2023 but remained with the company until 8 October 2023 in the post of Production Manager for Don Quixote.

Tanya Fourie

Tanya Fourie

Tanya Fourie

Is the proud owner of Leap for Joy Dance Studio that has respresented South Africa and the Studio numerously internationally at World Championchips and has achieved podium placements in variety of genres and competitions.

Tanya Fourie started her career in dance from the tender age of 4 years. Driven by her passion for dance and sheer determination she quickly moved through the fundamental phases and early grade levels. Eagerly seeking to showcase her gifting, she quickly reached platforms she could only have dreamed off. After completing her studies in London at Laine Theatre Arts she obtained a degree in musical teatre and acting, performing across the UK in musicals such as – The producers (UK Tour 2007), Hairspray (UK Tour 2005), Grease (UK Tour 2006), Chorus Line (UK Tour 2006) and Chicago (SA Tour 2008). In the late 2008 after a devestating hand injury the call for ministry became undeniable and she suddenly found herself walking away from the very thing saught after. Today Tanya has grown to know what it finally means to worship in Spirit and Truth. After 10 years of ministry through dance she has had the privilage to teach children and adults how to minister in excellence unto the Father and never shy away in representing the Kingdom through the medium of dance and worship. Her dance school “Leap For Joy” continues to dance with purpose and train in excellence to the Glory of God.

Corné Fourie

Corné Fourie

Corné Fourie

Married and Father of four, Cornè is passionately living out his love for family and seeing the broken-hearted come to healing and restoration. After completing his formal studies at the University of Pretoria and obtaining his Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management, he entered private enterprise at a leading Manufacturing Company. During his 12 Year appointment he advanced from junior clerk to HR Manager and subsequent to the position of General Manager over the company’s various national manufacturing plants and corporate divisions. Driven by purpose and his passion for people, Cornè stated working as a Ministry Director at MLC Ministries South Africa – Purposefully focussing on helping generations walk in healing and freedom. He obtained his formal certification and qualifications as Pastoral Minister as well as His formal Pastoral license from West Coast Ministries USA. He is currently engaged as the Director of Harah Design as well as Harah Ministries South Africa – A ministry committed to the healing and deliverance of the hurting and broken. He remains a committed counselor and continues to serve as an integrate part of MLC Ministries South Africa in reaching communities in rural Africa. His passion for the arts is fuelled by his love for music, dance and performance. “Make every effort to live a life worthy of your calling. This does not mean you will be perfect but rather perfectly positioned…” – Cornè Fourie

Melissa Greyling

Melissa Greyling

Melissa Greyling

Melissa Greyling is a Dance Coach at Leap for Joy Dance Studios with nine years of experience in equipping dancers to reach their in the dance industry. She specialises in Ballet, Modern, and Hip-hop dance as well as Basi Pilates. Melissa uses her experience to enrich dancers to further their capabilities.
By focusing on coaching dancers, she has been able to put all the certifications she earned at various institutes to good use.
Over the years, Melissa’s strengths in her field have brought many possibilities, such as dancing overseas, judging, and of course, many teaching opportunities. Melissa may spend her days coaching, but it is the love and passion for dancers that gets her up in the morning.

Summer Workshop

Summer Workshoppit

Registrations are now open!

DATE: 21- 23 November 2025
LOCATION: Bronberg Mountain Estate, Plot 182 Graham Road, Zwavelpoort, Pretoria, 0081

Our Summer Workshoppit will prove to inspire and excel the quality of movement as we continue to work with the industry best. This workshop aims to give the dancer exposure to repertoire, classical ballet, contemporary as well as body conditioning, technique and strengthening.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to train with top professionals and elevate your dance skills!