Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TINASHE Shumbayawonda is dancing his way into stardom at weddings —his signature move is weaving couples’ music choices into a dance which tells their unique love tale.
The 28-year-old is now a familiar face on Zimbabwe’s wedding circuit. He is turning love stories into choreographed spectacles that leave brides, grooms and guests buzzing. In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Tinashe said this year he has covered more than 50 weddings.
“People think that wedding choreography is just about listening to music and dance forgetting that it’s about being creative in order to capture the audience and entertain them.
“Wedding choreography is more than just being on stage on the big day. It requires a lot of working on ideas so that they can be implemented.
“In order to deliver the best service I make sure that I prioritise the ideas of the couples since a wedding is only for one day. “So, l believe in communication and working closely with them to achieve their desires.“I engage couples on the type of music they like. If I just listen to a song, I can tell what from the genre what type of dances are required.”
He added:
“Mine is not only choreography but telling a love story through dancing.
“The most challenging thing is that some couples don’t have enough time for rehearsals since they will have pressure of wedding planning.
“The most memorable wedding is the one which I did at Munondo Elleven Events earlier this year for Mr and Mrs Munhenga.
“We had 22 people for the Bridal Team and they were on fire, even the vibe of the bride and groom was beyond bar.”
Born in a small village, Tinashe’s father died in 2003, and his mother moved to South Africa.
While juggling school and a relentless work ethic, he kept his passion alive through the high school dance group that started his career.
“I have a very strong rural background. My father passed away around 2003.
“So I grew up with my mother who later relocated to South Africa, I had to work hard at school up to university level where I was funding for my education through wedding choreography and other hustles.“I grew up a dancer.”
He added:
“I remember during my high school we had a dance group.
“But this is more of a passion driven career. I love dancing and I love to create art.
“As I’m aging I’m recruiting new blood, both boys and girls, who are talented, who I will then pass the button to.
“I’m also considering to go and learn about events planning.
“I’m also excited because I started to build up my sound effects like smoke and fog machines, stage lighting, sparkles and etc, which helps in decorating the backdrops and the dance floor for a unique view.”
Londile Moyo