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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In 1949, when Johaar dances in front of Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, one
thing is certain: Johaar Mosaval from District Six is definitely a dancer.
He would soon rise to prominence as a principal for England’s Royal Ballet
School, dancing all over the world. After 25 years, he returned to Cape Town
to pass on his love of ballet to children at home.
In 1949, when Johaar dances in front of Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, one
thing is certain: Johaar Mosaval from District Six is definitely a dancer.
He would soon rise to prominence as a principal for England’s Royal Ballet
School, dancing all over the world. After 25 years, he returned to Cape Town
to pass on his love of ballet to children at home.
Toe Johaar in 1949 voor Alicia Markova en Anton Dolin ’n oudisie aflê, was
een ding seker: Johaar Mosaval van Distrik Ses was gebore om te dans.
Hy sou gou uitstyg as die hoofdanser vir Engeland se Koninklike
Balletskool en regoor die wêreld dans. Na 25 jaar keer hy terug Kaapstad
toe om sy liefde vir ballet aan die kinders tuis oor te dra.
More about this book
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
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!
