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In a dance studio in the eastern part of Jo’burg, movement director Janecke coached a squad of cheerleading students through their steps. Following hours of practice of everything from undulating motions to vogue dance with pom-poms, the enthusiastic group came together around Janecke to record a short clip of one of the trending South African amapiano viral moves. They finished in only two attempts.

Expanding Global Impact

Lee-ché has remained at the forefront of the growing international appeal of SA dance and music over the recent years. Partnering with performer the star since she was 17, he was responsible for the internet sensation that was part of smash single “Water,” which launched the young South African performer to international recognition.

“Talking about my path it touches me deeply to understand how far it’s come to, and that where it’s come to is a fresh beginning,” he shared.

Initial Roots

He was raised in Bonteheuwel and later a Johannesburg area, both historically referred to as “mixed-race” areas. Inspired by his elder playing music legends, and would dance at celebrations. Originally intended to study accounting after school, but succumbed to the pull of dance, in which he has is self-taught.

Career Path

By 2011, Janecke was exploring identity in dance and acknowledged himself as a gay man. He co-founded a performance group, South Africa’s first group of male dancers focused on ballroom-inspired styles, movement genres that emerged in New York’s underground dance community in the ’80s and ’90s.

The group, which evolved to include female dancers and a costume designer, participated in numerous televised showcases. Yet, it finished second in nearly every one it entered, something Janecke linked to South Africa not yet being ready for openly LGBTQ+ dancers.

In 2013, the group was attacked at a taxi stand as they travelled back from performing at Soweto Pride. A mob converged on their transport, screaming and moving the vehicle from back and forth, until the operator finally convinced them to break up. “It felt like:‘Yeah girl, it’s over for you,’” shared Janecke.

Breakthrough Opportunities

By 2015, the group dissolved, as Janecke was hired individually, directing the competition a popular show for an extended period. He was brought on by Tyla’s initial team to coach her. “I thought: ‘There’s something about this girl.’ I can see it in the expression,” he expressed.

Recently, the cheerleading practice was just shortly after the a major awards show. The artist won a trophy for Push2Start. The video was designed by Janecke, who was also shortlisted for best choreography.

It represented the peak of several two years of partnering with Tyla globally on projects including a singing competition to the a music awards show and Coachella. Janecke also created US and UK shows for DJ Uncle Waffles and instructed amapiano classes at Ailey Extension, the school of the a renowned company in New York, and at Playground in LA.

Upcoming Ambitions

“In my view, the completion of that phase is the awards recognition,” Janecke said. He was filming when he discovered he had been honored: “I immediately became emotional. I was so emotional, I feel I still get emotional, because … I stayed awake, early morning, to view the VMAs live. I was certain that this is where my future awaits.”

Janecke gesticulated as he spoke, getting up to show steps. “I have to take the correct actions to continue expressing and building my work out there, separate from the artists linked to it.”

He shared his goals – finding a American representative, partnering with everyone from pop stars to Beyoncé and Madonna, and entering the K-pop market, brand campaigns and theater. He referenced fellow choreographer Robbie Blue as representing the level he believes he is positioned for attaining.

Staying True

Nonetheless, Janecke was clear he would continue collaborating with Tyla: “She is like family always … She remains passionate about making songs and genuinely shifting the conversation of the world.”

While Janecke expressed disappointment that South Africa lacked the structured and efficient professional conditions of the United States, he stated he remained African fundamentally. “The dream I hold created a movement done by the whole world … so, in my view, what I pursue is a vision born on this continent.”