Powerful, fierce, and a marvellous reminder of just how talented the creatives in Cape Town, and SA are. These are just a few thoughts that moved through my mind after watching Rudi Smit and the Untimitive Dance Company’s latest video set to the tone of a rendition of Beyoncé’s Run the World.
Now if Queen B’s song sparked fierce empowerment for women, then Rudi’s choreography should spark a similar essence in South African creatives. Beyond the brilliant Western Cape backdrops the beat of an anthem and beautiful cinematography and editing from Masedi Ranyane and Dylan Pereira respectively, the video embodies a fierce pride. It’s one that says “look at how we rise,” in a nod to an industry that was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic – the creative industry.
WATCH: Run the World [The MegaMix]
The internet is loving the performance, but for those who don’t know, it isn’t Rudi Smit’s first rodeo.
Hailing from the Mother City, the talented dancer and choreographer has enjoyed splurges of viral essence before.
Read Also:Cape Town dancer Rudi Smit tears up the dance floor again
Back in 2016, it was his choreographed video inspired by Meghan Trainor’s Me Too that had his name travelling the globe – all the way to Miss. Trainor’s ears in fact.
It’s been a few years, but it looks like Run The World could just be his next viral bet.
What does Rudi think of it all?
In speaking to Rudi, I asked him for his thoughts on the work, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt.
What story do you believe that this work is telling the world from your perspective?
“For me, this video is so important because it highlights the talent that we have here in Cape Town,” he starts.
“It is common to look up to American artists because of their global success and the way they have made an impact on the world, but we too as South African’s can Run the World!”
“We are bold, we are unique, we are talented, we are fierce and we too can set a standard of excellence in what we do,” says Rudi.
Rudi expresses that he believes that the world needs to see more of South African creatives because we have a unique voice. He gushes in pride over his company (Untimitive) because it represents so much “diversity and inclusivity on all fronts”.
“We are a big group of different individuals from different walks of life, that come together to create art that anyone and everyone can enjoy because it makes every ‘type of person’ feel like they are represented.”
What did it mean to you creating this?
The short answer was pride.
“I am just so proud of the video overall. I am proud that we are representing dance in and for our country. I am proud of the diversity and inclusivity that we are showcasing. It was also really great for me to get one of our company members, Matthew Power, to choreograph an Amapiano piece in the routine (1:33- 1:48 time-stamp) because it is a dance style that is so specifically linked to and representative of our country…”
“…Amapiano is becoming huge globally and for us to be able to showcase that style on dancers that are home-bred and have it add that SA flavour to our video, is the cherry on top. You can only find this kind of sauce here, and we love to show it.”
In a last note of appreciation for his company, Rudi expresses that he is “proud to be able to lead a group of people that are so invested in representing a world that is diverse and inclusive.”
It makes my heart so happy,” he says.
All this writer can add to such beautiful words and talent is that even if she’s not taking calls because she’s dancin’, someone better hit Beyoncé up – soon!
Picture: YouTube/ Rudi Smit
