SA Dance Creator Lee-ché Janecke Dreams of International Influence

Within a practice hall in east Johannesburg, choreographer Lee-ché Janecke guided a squad of young cheer performers through their steps. After an extensive session of everything from fluid movements to vogue dance with pom-poms, the excited group came together around Janecke to record a short clip of one of the newest South African amapiano viral moves. They were done in only two attempts.

Expanding Worldwide Presence

He has stood at the leading edge of the expanding worldwide recognition of South African movement and sound over the recent years. Collaborating with singer Tyla since she was a teenager, he created the viral dance that went with hit song “Water,” which propelled the emerging African artist to worldwide fame.

“Talking about my path it touches me deeply to know how far it’s arrived at, and that this achievement seems like a fresh beginning,” he shared.

Early Roots

Janecke grew up in a community in Cape Town and later another township, both traditionally classified as “designated” communities. Influenced by his elder playing pop icons, he danced at celebrations. At first intended to study accounting after school, but was unable to resist the attraction of movement, in which he has is self-taught.

Career Evolution

In the early 2010s, Janecke was exploring identity in dance and acknowledged himself as gay. He was instrumental in launching a performance group, SA’s first male dance crew focused on ballroom-inspired styles, dance forms that emerged in the ball culture in the ’80s and ’90s.

The crew, which expanded to include all genders and a fashion stylist, competed in numerous on-air contests. However, it placed as runner-up in nearly every one it entered, something Janecke blamed on South Africa not yet being prepared for openly LGBTQ+ dancers.

Years ago, the group was attacked at a taxi stand as they headed home from appearing at an LGBTQ+ celebration. A mob surrounded their taxi, yelling and rocking the vehicle from side to side, until the conductor finally convinced them to disperse. “It felt like:‘Okay, we’re done for you,’” said Janecke.

Major Achievements

Eventually, V.I.N.T.A.G.E had disbanded, as Janecke was hired solo, choreographing the talent show a broadcast series for six years. He was contracted by the artist’s early representatives to coach her. “I [felt]: ‘She has something about this girl.’ I noticed it in their eyes,” he said.

Fast-forward to 2025, the rehearsal was just a few days after the a major awards show. The artist took home a trophy for her song. The music video was staged by him, who was also nominated for best choreography.

This was the highest point of several two years of partnering with Tyla globally on projects including The Voice finale to the a music awards show and Coachella. Janecke also designed international performances for an artist and instructed dance workshops at Ailey Extension, the space of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the city, and at Playground in LA.

Future Ambitions

“Personally, the close of that period is the industry acknowledgment,” Janecke said. He was on set when he learned he had been nominated: “I instantly burst into tears. The feeling was intense, I feel I still get emotional, because … I stayed awake, 3am, to view the VMAs live. I always knew that here is where my future awaits.”

Using his hands as he talked, standing to demonstrate routines. “I must take the right steps to continue expressing and establishing my name recognized, away from the figures attached to it.”

He shared his goals – finding a US agent, working with artists like pop stars to Beyoncé and Madonna, and entering the K-pop market, brand campaigns and stage productions. He cited a peer Robbie Blue as achieving the standard he is confident he is capable of reaching.

Remaining Loyal

Nonetheless, Janecke was emphatic he would keep working with Tyla: “We have a bond forever … She remains committed about creating music and really changing the conversation of the world.”

Even as Janecke shared disappointment that his home country was missing the structured and efficient working environment of the America, he affirmed he was South African to his core. “My vision achieved a dance embraced by the entire globe … therefore, in my view, Lee-ché’s dream is a vision born on this continent.”