Tafadzwa Tandi-Chingono: A Visionary in Dance and Choreography

Prolific choreographer Tafadzwa Tandi-Chingono, popularly known as Tichaona Hillary Indi, continues to shape Zimbabwe’s dance industry with his dedication and passion. As the founder and director of the Elysium Magna Dance Theatre, Indi has been instrumental in redefining contemporary dance, blending traditional Zimbabwean movements with modern artistic expressions.

With nearly two decades in the industry, Indi has become a respected figure, earning a nomination for the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama23) in the Outstanding Choreographer category. Competing alongside Future Dube of Khaya Arts Productions and Tichaona Chikara from Salt ’n Light, his nomination is a testament to his creative influence and hard work.

Other dance categories at the Nama23 awards also feature remarkable talents, including Tanaka Machikicho, Ellain Ncube, and Celine Madziva in the Outstanding Female Dancer category, as well as Ngonidzashe Mudyariwa (Alvin Ngonie), Tichaona “Hero” Chikara, and Terrence Kapesa in the Outstanding Male Dancer category. In the group category, Salt ’n Light, Khaya Arts Productions, and Afrikera Arts Trust are competing for recognition.

A Call for Excellence and Commitment

Indi firmly believes that a dancer’s success is determined by their commitment to the craft. “Dancers are what they repeatedly do,” he emphasizes. “If you work hard consistently, it will pay off. But if you procrastinate and lack dedication, you get minimal results. Passion and drive are key to perfecting one’s career.”

He also highlights the need for corporate sponsors to invest more in the dance industry. “Dancers should be paid fairly and on time. There’s a misconception that artists perform in adverts and films just for exposure, but this is their livelihood,” he says.

Recognizing Elysium Magna’s Work

Indi’s Elysium Magna Dance Theatre has built a reputation for innovative and thought-provoking productions. Their submission, The Birth of Christ, a two-hour fusion of dance and theatre, was among the works considered for awards. “We don’t create just to win awards; we do it to showcase the best of what we can offer,” he says.

The theatre’s unique creative approach combines multiple stage disciplines, allowing audiences to experience a range of emotions and atmospheres within a single performance. “Our work is driven by passion and the elements around us. The nomination is an honor, and we believe in merit-based recognition,” he adds.

Advice for Aspiring Dancers

Indi encourages young dancers to push their limits and develop diverse skills. “Just being a dancer is not enough. The arts industry is evolving, and opportunities often require a combination of talents, such as poetry and dance or music and movement. Artists who rely on a single discipline risk being left behind.”

A Legacy of Artistic Excellence

Born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Indi’s journey in dance began at an early age. He trained in ballet, modern, and traditional Zimbabwean dance before furthering his studies at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music, where he earned a diploma in dance. His choreographic style is a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation, exploring themes of identity, culture, and social justice with energy, passion, and emotional depth.

Through his artistry and leadership, Indi continues to inspire the next generation of dancers, proving that excellence in dance comes from dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the craft.