Their dynamic and theatrical approach has been achievable courtesy of a pool of diligent creators and dancers who invariably express themselves with artistic excellence. VDT is recognized as an exciting and innovative dance company that produces great dancers and has good teaching techniques and is of good quality all round, with programmes including:

- Corporate Productions (performances, choreography and events management)
- Community Outreach Programme
- Open Dance Classes
- Theatre Productions (nationally and internationally)
- Dance Workshops
- Lecturers (administered by Gregory Maqoma)
- Dance Trainee Programme

Vuyani Dance Theatre is funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) for a maximum of three years in light of VDT’s operational and program needs.

The NLDTF funds have helped VDT to grow its management team. The new organization structure of Vuyani Dance Theatre Project is a fitting blend of both artistic, administrative and advisors. This is a set up that is sure to satisfactorily execute their duties to elevate the image and mission of the organisation.

The board is made up of the Chairperson: Thandiwe Msibi – Managing Director of Maanda Development Strategies, Dr Thuthula Balfour-Kaipa – Health Advisor for Chamber of Mines, Dumo Mbethe CA(SA) – Executive Assistant to the Finance Director of Old Mutual, Vonani Mathebula CA(SA) and Caroline Moremi CA(SA).

Joining Nonku Thabede in the office and Gregory Maqoma on the artistic side are individuals who are passion driven and dedicated to the arts:

- General Manager: Molebogeng Mokomele, a Wits graduate, has passion oozing from her, highly dedicated (to the creative industries) and the development of art. Her dream is to see the arts (in all aspects and genres) to be able to sustain itself. Lebo worked extensively in the preservation, promotion and development of arts and culture within the NGO sector and her accolades include work with The Swallows Foundation (SA).

- Artistic Director: Gregory Maqoma, a multi-award winner. In 1999 Maqoma founded Vuyani Dance Theatre Project. He received his training both in South Africa and Belgium and that mine of knowledge and wisdom has seen the prosperity and growth that is Vuyani for the past 11 years. Gregory is truly a dance icon in the contemporary dance sphere of South Africa and the world over. His passion for creating work that embraces the dynamism and diversity of the South African rainbow nation, has built a legacy in a brand that is VDT; in the dance performance, skills transfer and giving back to the community through the outreach program. Maqoma teaches and choreographs for other companies both within the country and internationally.

- Finance Officer, Nonku Thabede has extensive experience as an administrator and project coordinator and has been with VDT for over 10 years and her contribution to where and how VDT is now is immeasurable. Her accolades includes a nomination for the “Arts and Culture Administrator” of the year in 2008.

- Administration Assistant: Thami Makhanya holds a University Diploma in Business Studies, an Arts and Culture Management certificate, a Theory and Practice of Dance certificate from Moving into Dance and is currently studying towards an Accounting and Cost Management Diploma (AAT). Thami travelled extensively as a performer, worked for The College of People Management Development as Project Manager and PANSA as Coordinator.

- Artistic Assistant: Luyanda Sidiya holds a certificate in the Theory and Practice of Dance from Moving into Dance, where he later joined the performing company as one of the lead dancers. Luyanda is a choreographer of note, and has since been involved in a number of international collaborations, including ACE Dance and Music Company in the UK for three years as a dancer, later on as a rehearsal director and many more. He was commissioned to create a new work for 2009 Dance Umbrella Festival in Johannesburg and the work was invited to the 2010 Jomba contemporary festival. Luyanda co-founded Luthando Arts Academy and he still works as a dancer, choreographer and teacher. He became a dance captain for 2010 FIFA Opening Concert.

- Projects Coordinator: Mpho Kunene holds a university degree in Administration, a certificate in the Theory and Practice of Dance from Moving into Dance and a certificate in Arts and Culture Administration. Mpho is an avid performer, dance instructor and has facilitated several projects within the arts and culture sector. He is a very hard working young man who is dedicated and highly passionate about the Arts, especially within the development of the Arts.

- Rehearsal Assistant: Shawn Mothupi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Information and Library Science. Shawn worked for Business against Crime, later joined VDT as trainee and sound technician, and has since been involved in a number of international collaborations. Shawn is a true testimony of what Gregory and VDT have achieved in more than one ways with their training and development programs.

VDT has what we call a Sprung Floor, which is consistent of six company dancers namely: Thabo Kobeli, Teresa Phuti Mojela, Sibusiso Ngcobo, Nosiphiwo Samente, Charlston van Rooyen and Thulani Chauke; four understudies namely: Phumlani Nyanga, Mzimasi Ayanda Dyonana, Seodigeng Keaoleboga and Gladwell Rakoma; and six trainees namely: Nhlanhla Mbuyisa, Wesley Mabizela, Maleshwana Mahoasi, Roseline Keppler, Xolisiwe Bongwana and Prudence Diatile Mokoena. These dancers are made up of young dancers from the Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces.

Company Programme:

De Beers Awards in (SA, NAMIBIA and BOTSWANA) 10,16,17,18 February and 16 May Gauteng Tourism – International Tourist Guide Day (SA) 21 February Beautiful Me (Lecture) - UCLA - California (USA) 12 - 26 February Beautiful Me - Auckland Festival (NEW ZEALAND) 3 - 10 March Human Rights Day Celebration – Johannesburg (SA) 21 March Southern Bound Comfort - Ottawa (CANADA) 20 - 28 March Southern Bound Comfort - Columbus (USA) 28 March - 3 April Southern Bound Comfort - Nantes (FRANCE) 4 - 9 April Southern Bound Comfort - Lille (FRANCE) 10 - 13 April Southern Bound Comfort - Rome (ITALY) 13 - 18 April Four Seasons - KKNK Klein Karoo (SA) 2 - 9 April Blue Blood – HIFA (ZIMBABWE) 26- 30 April Company Season - Johannesburg (SA) 05 – 08 May Culture France – Brazzaville (Congo) 18 – 22 May Beautiful Me – Berlin (Germany) 19-24 August Beautiful Me – Zurich (Switzerland) 24-28 August Beautiful Me – Jomba! (SA) 06 – 11 September Vuyani Week – Johannesburg (SA) 27- 30 October

Coming soon! Gregory Maqoma’s 'Four Seasons' at Dance Factory from 5-8 May 2011.

VDT’s patrons are Judge Edwin Cameron, Advocate Pinky Mokgatla, and Consular Paul Mees.