Tribhangi Dance Theatre are an award-winning South African company who showcase high-energy movement that celebrates ‘humanity towards others’. The company’s African style blends with the Indian Bharatanatyam style, this blog outlines some key elements of those dance styles ahead of their UK tour.
To experience them live, book in for Tribhangi Dance Theatre: UBUNTU. Join Sampad for an entertaining and joyful evening of transnational dance. Tickets are available now for Solihull, Birmingham and Leeds.
Afro-fusion
Spanning the 1970s to the 2000s the Afro-fusion dance style gained popularity starting in South Africa and spreading to Zambia and Namibia then across the continent. The dance style is a mix of hip-hop, contemporary taken from the West, blended with the African tradition and tribal dances which are deeply rooted in storytelling.
The combination of the traditional, isolated loose, and flowing movements culminates in a hybrid, transnational dance style that is not only rich in culture, but a dynamic and striking spectacle.
Bharatanatyam
India’s most traditional dance disciplines, Bharatanatyam originated in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. Within the dance are 3 broad elements of: Nritta (the technical element of a performance, with attention to the detail, rhythm and the form of movements); Nritya (an interpretative element, bringing in spiritual and emotional themes and symbolism); and Natya (relating to drama and storytelling that is conveyed through the dance).
A distinctive element of Bharatanatyam is found in the series of mudras, or hand gestures each sharing a different meaning, message or idea. Examples include the Mayura (Peacock), the Mrugasheersha (Deer’s head) and the Alapadma (Lotus in full bloom).
Both styles combine tradition, fluidity and intentionality through embodied movement to tell a story which creates an unexpected dialogue across continents, communities and culture which UBUNTU stages on a musically and visually spectacular level.
UBUNTU comes to Solihull Core Theatre on Tuesday 24th March 2026, then moves to Birmingham on the 28th of March, followed by Leeds on the 29th of March 2026, providing a dazzling evening of a spectacular dance fusion. It promises to be a brilliant evening out, whether you’re a dance enthusiast or looking to try something new. Book your place here.