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In a practice hall in the eastern part of Jo’burg, choreographer Janecke led a group of cheerleading students through a routine. Following an extensive session of from fluid movements to voguing with pompoms, the excited group gathered round Janecke to create a social media video of one of the trending South African amapiano viral moves. It was completed in just two takes.

Expanding Worldwide Presence

He has stood at the leading edge of the increasing worldwide recognition of SA dance and music over the past few years. Collaborating with artist Tyla since she was a teenager, he choreographed the viral dance that was part of breakout track “the track Water,” which launched the young SA singer to global stardom.

“Reflecting about my journey I feel moved to realize the point it’s come to, and that this moment feels like a new start,” he said.

Formative Roots

Janecke grew up in a Cape Town neighborhood and later a Johannesburg area, both historically known as “mixed-race” areas. Inspired by his elder playing pop icons, he danced at family events. At first aimed to study business after school, but was unable to resist the call of dance, in which he has never been formally trained.

Career Path

In the early 2010s, Janecke was exploring femininity in dance and embraced himself as LGBTQ+. He co-founded V.I.N.T.A.G.E, the country’s first male dance crew focused on vogue and whack, movement genres that originated in New York’s underground dance community in the late 1980s and 1990s.

The crew, which grew to include female dancers and a style consultant, participated in numerous televised contests. However, it finished second in all but the last event, something Janecke linked to South Africa not yet being ready for openly LGBTQ+ dancers.

Years ago, the group was attacked at a taxi stand as they returned from dancing at Soweto Pride. A crowd encircled their transport, yelling and shaking the taxi from back and forth, until the conductor finally persuaded them to disperse. “It gave:‘Well, we’re done for you,’” shared Janecke.

Breakthrough Moments

In time, the group dissolved, as Janecke started getting booked alone, choreographing the competition a broadcast series for multiple seasons. He was contracted by Tyla’s first manager to train her. “I thought: ‘She has something about this girl.’ It’s visible in their eyes,” he said.

In the present day, the cheerleading practice was just shortly after the VMAs. The singer won an award for Push2Start. The visual was choreographed under his direction, who was also shortlisted for top choreographer.

It marked the highest point of more than two years of partnering with Tyla internationally on everything from The Voice finale to the BET Awards and Coachella. Janecke also choreographed overseas events for an artist and taught movement sessions at a New York institution, the space of the a prestigious group in the city, and at Playground in LA.

Next Ambitions

“Personally, the close of that period is the VMA nomination,” Janecke said. He was on set when he learned he had been nominated: “I immediately burst into tears. I was so emotional, I believe I remain touched, because … I sat up, in the night, to see the awards broadcast. I felt convinced that this is where my destiny lies.”

Janecke gesticulated as he talked, standing to show routines. “I must take the right steps to continue expressing and establishing my work recognized, independent of the names associated with it.”

He outlined his dreams – finding a US agent, partnering with names such as international acts to legends, and breaking into the Korean pop industry, brand campaigns and musicals. He mentioned a peer an industry name as being at the caliber he believes he is able to reaching.

Remaining Loyal

However, Janecke was clear he would maintain his partnership with Tyla: “We have a bond for life … She remains committed about making songs and truly transforming the dynamic in the industry.”

While Janecke shared frustration that the local industry was missing the intentional and seamless industry standards of the America, he stated he remained South African at heart. “My African dream created a routine done by the whole world … so, in my view, my aspiration is an African dream.”