[1/6] Members of a local dance group 'Via Katlehong' perform 'Pantsula', a dance known for its syncopated, quick-stepping, low to the ground format at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa, July 1, 2023. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File PhotoJOHANNESBURG, July 7 (Reuters) - Thato Qofela first performed 'pantsula', a symbol of Black South African culture and resistance to the apartheid regime, in his childhood backyard. Now, he is helping to revive the dance style and take it on to the global stage. It later enjoyed popularity among South Africans of different races, but waned somewhat as modern dance styles gained prominence. Now, Qofela's dance troupe, Via Katlehong, wants to drive a revival of the style, and has taken the dance to the global stage with shows in France, the Netherlands and Portugal.

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Persons: Siphiwe, Qofela, pantsula, Lethabo, Sisipho Skweyiya, Tannur Anders, Olivia Kumwenda, Emma Rumney Organizations: Katlehong, Joburg Theatre, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Johannesburg, South Africa, JOHANNESBURG, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Katlehong