Everyone knows that Khuzwayo loves to dance.
When the village leader chooses him to be the next Ingoma dancer, no one is surprised.
Ingoma is a dance to celebrate the first crops at the beginning of the year.
Khuzwayo’s family is proud.
But Khuzwayo is worried.
How will he dance in front of so many people from so many villages?
He normally only performs for a few neighbours.
“I can’t do it! It’s too scary.”
He runs away…
Everyone wonders where he is. No one can find him.
But Khuzwayo’s best friends know exactly where he would be!
“Why did you run away?”
“I am nervous. What if I make a mistake?”
“We can help you. Let’s all practice together!”
“Khuzwayo, you’re so good. You’re ready to dance with the older dancers!”
Khuzwayo grows more confident.
On the day of the Ingoma dance Khuzwayo leads his village to the arena wearing a special outfit.
He still feels a little nervous, but the rattles on his feet guide him.
He stomps his legs.
He waves his arms.
Everyone loves Khuzwayo’s dance!
Credits
Originally published by Book Dash under a Creative Commons Licensed BY 4.0. This book can be read for free on https://bookdash.org/books/dance,-khuzwayo,-dance! and was created by: Zanri Kritzinger (Editor), Job Mubinya (Designer), Fiske Serah Nyirongo (Writer), Jess Jardim-Wedepohl (Illustrator)
