From meeting Kelly Rowland to attending Roc Nation brunch — Bontle Modiselle reflects on her year

More grounding-breaking collaborations and international travel are in store for Bontle Moloi, née Modiselle, as she marks a milestone in the world of dance.

One year ago the media personality and choreographer achieved her lifelong dream of owning her own dance studio, and she says this is only the beginning. 

“It's insane, it starts off as an idea and you work towards it. It's the best thing I've done in my career for sure,” she tells TshisaLIVE. 

Through her studio on the rooftop of Hallmark House with a view of the Johannesburg skyline, Bontle has had many highlights. 

From breaking the Guinness Book of Records with musician Alfa Kat and World of Dance co-ordinator Quintus Jansen for the largest amapiano dance, to performing at the launch of  Big Brother Titans, and even hosting American singer Kelly Rowland in her studio. 

“You don't think there are certain eyes on you, you just show up and do your work and don't realise that somewhere out there is someone many kilometres away who actually sees your work and appreciates it.

“It was wild for me that Kelly wanted to visit the studio and it was wild for me that she knew who I was and wanted to get into the studio. It was incredibly humbling because she is someone I grew up watching. That was incredible.”

In February, Bontle was in Los Angeles researching what she wants to pursue in dance, and connect with people in the industry.

While on her trip, Bontle rubbed shoulders with US singer Beyoncé, and many other renowned international stars when she was invited to the Roc Nation Grammy brunch. 

“It was dance that got me there. I got an invitation, showed up, and it's as simple as that. Some great things will happen from such moments. It was very unreal. That was the beginning of great things for sure.”

Bontle is on a mission to help drive a positive narrative about the dance industry in South Africa. 

“I set out goals and missions that are scary, and sometimes I feel are a little unattainable. I do have SA's dance history as a point of reference, and in many ways I want to be the blueprint of how people can do it better. Especially because people in SA have found dance to be 'that other thing' or 'that hobby' not as a career path, but it is a growing industry.”

The world of dance has her fans anticipating a lot from her Bontle's set to travel to Sweden in June and says there are more things in store.