Leona Dean’s journey into the world of dance began long before she became one of South Africa’s most respected Indian dance choreographers.
Today, she is both a practising attorney and founder of the Leona Dean Dance Academy in Durban, which has trained generations in modern Indian dance.
Her journey began in childhood, inspired by Indian cinema.
“I was captivated by Indian movies – the songs, the dances and the sheer beauty of it all,” she recalled. “At home, Indian music was always playing, and I could not help but dance along.”
What started as an imitation grew into a passion when Dean enrolled in Bharatanatyam classes and graduated in the classical form. She performed at local temple shows, eventually forming a performance group that appeared at many community events.
Her training in Bharatanatyam became the foundation for everything that followed.
“Bharatanatyam is more than just a dance form. Its discipline, precision and expressive depth shaped the way I approach choreography,” she said.
“Even as I began exploring modern Indian dance – with colourful costumes and dramatic staging – that classical base remained the soul of my work.”
While Dean’s name is synonymous with dance, she also pursued academics and a professional career outside the arts.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree and a law qualification, she currently works as a conveyancing attorney. “It is definitely a balancing act,” she admitted.
“Both fields demand focus and dedication. Law requires analytical precision, while dance allows creative freedom. My legal career grounds me and keeps me disciplined, while dance gives me emotional release and joy. They complement each other beautifully.”
The duality of her life – between the courtroom and the stage – has taught her that passion and profession can coexist. “When you truly love what you do, you find a way to make both work,” she said.
“I started the academy in 1994 because I wanted to create a space where dance could be more than just movement – a place where it could empower people,” Dean said.
At the time, modern Indian dance was not widely taught in Durban. She saw an opportunity to make it accessible and exciting for younger generations.
“My vision was to build confidence, foster creativity and give students a platform to express themselves while staying rooted in culture,” she said.
Over the years, the academy has grown into one of the largest Indian dance institutions in the country. Its performances are known for fusing traditional movement with storytelling, vibrant costumes and theatrical flair.
“I have always believed that dance should tell a story,” Dean said.
“Every performance we stage carries emotion, whether it is love, celebration or reflection. I want audiences to feel something real.”
Her choreography reached a national audience when her troupe performed at the South African India Film and Television Awards (SAIFTA), sharing the stage with Bollywood stars including Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit, John Abraham, Karan Johar, Dia Mirza and Suniel Shetty.
“Performing at SAIFTA was a proud and humbling moment,” she said.
“Standing on that stage, representing South African Indian talent, filled me with pride. It reminded me that hard work and passion can take you places you never imagined.”
That success was the result of years of persistence.
“In the beginning, there were no schools dedicated to modern Indian dance, so I had to carve out my own path,” she said.
“One of the biggest challenges was changing perceptions of what Indian dance could look like – the movement, the costume, even the way we presented it.”
Leona Dean began dancing long before becoming one of South Africa’s leading Indian dance choreographers.
Balancing her studies and later her legal career with rehearsals and teaching was also difficult.
“There were many sacrifices, but I was blessed with an incredibly supportive family. My husband, my parents and my sister, who dances with me, have always stood by me. I owe so much to them for believing in my vision.”
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Dean’s contribution to Indian dance and her community has earned her multiple awards, celebrating her influence on cultural preservation and innovation. Her productions often blend classical structure with contemporary storytelling.
“We experiment, but we never forget our roots,” she said. “That’s what keeps our work authentic.”
The academy’s past stage productions – including “Save the Date”, “Aunty Rumba Goes to Bollywood” and “Rumba on the Dance Floor” – have drawn full houses and widespread acclaim.
Her team is now preparing for a new production that will blend music, comedy and dance. “We love keeping audiences entertained while celebrating our heritage,” she said.
“Every show is a team effort, from choreography to costume design to the final curtain call.”
Beyond technical mastery, Dean believes her true purpose lies in empowering the next generation of dancers.
“My dream is for the academy to nurture not just talented dancers but confident individuals,” she said. “I want every student to leave with pride in their culture and belief in their potential.”
That philosophy is also personal.
“As a mother to my eight-year-old daughter, I hope to set an example – to show her the importance of embracing her heritage and following her dreams,” she said.
“If my journey inspires even one young dancer to believe that passion and professionalism can go hand in hand, that would be my greatest success.”
Reflecting on her career, Dean views dance not only as performance but as connection.
“Dance brings people together. It tells our stories and keeps our traditions alive,” she said.
Her vision for the academy remains one of community and continuity.
“I hope our legacy will be one of empowerment, creativity and cultural pride – a legacy that inspires generations to keep dancing fearlessly into the future.”
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