THE BOY WHO LOVED TO DANCE - Based on the life story of Johaar Mosaval
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by Diana Ferrus
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R 200.00
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R 200.00
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You may not know his name, but Johaar Mosaval's story is one that needs to be told.
Growing up in District Six during apartheid, Johaar faced both racial barriers and cultural expectations that Muslim boys shouldn't dance. But his passion for ballet led him from the streets of Cape Town to the grand stages of London's Royal Ballet.
He wasn't just a dancer - he was a trailblazer who became the first South African principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, performing worldwide, even for royalty!
After 25 years abroad, he returned to Cape Town to pass on his love of ballet to children at home.
Johaar's journey is more than a tale of ballet - it's about courage, hope, and daring to dream big.
Listen to Our Stories 🎧
There’s something special about hearing a story told by the person who wrote it. Sit back, press play, and listen as Diana Ferrus brings her story to life in English and Afrikaans, courtesy of Solid Gold Story Time
ENGLISH
AFRIKAANS
You may not know his name, but Johaar Mosaval's story is one that needs to be told.
Growing up in District Six during apartheid, Johaar faced both racial barriers and cultural expectations that Muslim boys shouldn't dance. But his passion for ballet led him from the streets of Cape Town to the grand stages of London's Royal Ballet.
He wasn't just a dancer - he was a trailblazer who became the first South African principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, performing worldwide, even for royalty!
After 25 years abroad, he returned to Cape Town to pass on his love of ballet to children at home.
Johaar's journey is more than a tale of ballet - it's about courage, hope, and daring to dream big.
Listen to Our Stories 🎧
There’s something special about hearing a story told by the person who wrote it. Sit back, press play, and listen as Diana Ferrus brings her story to life in English and Afrikaans, courtesy of Solid Gold Story Time
ENGLISH
AFRIKAANS
You may not know his name, but Johaar Mosaval's story is one that needs to be told.
Growing up in District Six during apartheid, Johaar faced both racial barriers and cultural expectations that Muslim boys shouldn't dance. But his passion for ballet led him from the streets of Cape Town to the grand stages of London's Royal Ballet.
He wasn't just a dancer - he was a trailblazer who became the first South African principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, performing worldwide, even for royalty!
After 25 years abroad, he returned to Cape Town to pass on his love of ballet to children at home.
Johaar's journey is more than a tale of ballet - it's about courage, hope, and daring to dream big.
Listen to Our Stories 🎧
There’s something special about hearing a story told by the person who wrote it. Sit back, press play, and listen as Diana Ferrus brings her story to life in English and Afrikaans, courtesy of Solid Gold Story Time
ENGLISH
AFRIKAANS
This book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of following your dreams against all odds.
Illustrator: Archie Birch
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Format: Paperback
ISBN:
978-1-4856-4135-3,
MARCH 2025,
260mmx210mm,
48 pages
Rights: World
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As a student at a ballet studio in a small town, I was one of many girls, but there were only two boys, and both eventually dropped out after being teased at school. The Boy Who Loved to Dance is the story I wish they—and so many others—had seen. It celebrates the life of Johaar Mosaval, who is truly an inspiration to all. A beautiful tribute to passion, resilience, and breaking stereotypes. Uplifting and important!
