Johaar Mosaval, a remarkable South African ballet dancer, shattered the racial barriers of apartheid and achieved great acclaim as a principal dancer with London’s Royal Ballet. He is believed to be the first man of color from South Africa to achieve this prestigious position. Johaar Mosaval passed away on August 16 in Cape Town at the age of 95, following a fall a few months earlier. His family announced his death.
Mr. Mosaval was a magnetic performer who received praise from critics and adoration from audiences for his solo roles and the incredible artistry he brought to them. Despite his diminutive stature, he left a lasting impression as the mischievous Puck in “The Dream,” the playful Petrushka in Fokine’s ballet of the same name, and the enchanting Blue Bird in “The Sleeping Beauty.” His portrayal of these characters, characterized by wild and humorous energy, was unlike anything previously seen at Covent Garden. Dance critic Fernau Hall of The Daily Telegraph declared in 1970, “His wild, faun-like humor, projected with great power, was unlike anything previously seen at Covent Garden.”
However, Johaar Mosaval’s journey was not without its challenges. In 1960, when the Royal Ballet toured South Africa, they made the controversial decision to leave him behind. Under the racial laws of apartheid, his Malayan heritage classified him as “colored,” which would likely have barred him from performing in his home country. This decision caused outrage in Britain and was condemned by Labour Party leaders, who criticized the Conservative-led government for not intervening. In Cape Town, thousands of people protested and threatened to boycott the Royal Ballet’s performances.
Despite these setbacks, Mr. Mosaval left the Royal Ballet in the mid-1970s to return to South Africa. There, he opened a dance school and took a government position. It took nearly 15 years for the company to stage a performance that included dancers of color. In 1990, Christina Johnson and Ronald Perry of Dance Theater of Harlem became the first dancers of color to appear with the Royal Ballet since Johaar Mosaval’s departure. They performed the iconic roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince in a production of “The Nutcracker.”
In his homeland, Johaar Mosaval achieved another significant milestone. He became the first person of color to dance at the Nico Malan Theater, now known as Artscape. In 1977, at the age of 49, he performed as Petrushka again. However, his contract stipulated that he could not touch a white dancer with his bare hands, highlighting the continued presence of racial restrictions.
In interviews, Johaar Mosaval emphasized the obstacles he faced as an aspiring dancer in South Africa. As a Muslim of South Asian descent, he faced discrimination and his ambitions clashed with his deeply religious parents’ disapproval. Additionally, the racial laws of the time prevented him from performing for a white audience. However, he persevered and trained at the University of Cape Town’s ballet school, thanks to the support of director Dulcie Howes. It was at the university that he caught the attention of acclaimed British dancers Anton Dolin and Alicia Markova, who invited him to study at the Sadler’s Wells Ballet School in London. He joined the company, which eventually became the Royal Ballet, in 1951.
Johaar Mosaval’s remarkable life and contributions to ballet were recognized in 2019 when President Cyril Ramaphosa awarded him the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold, an honor reserved for South African citizens who excel in the arts, journalism, or sports.
Johaar Mosaval, the eldest of ten children, was born on January 8, 1928, in District Six to Cassiem and Galima Mosaval. His father worked as a builder, while his mother was a seamstress. Initially opposed to his dancing ambitions, his family changed their minds when he won over two sheikhs from his local mosque. Impressed by his talent, they supported his dream and encouraged him to train abroad. With the help of the Muslim Progressive Society, enough funds were raised to send him to London to study ballet.
Ultimately, Johaar Mosaval’s life was a testament to his dedication and determination. In his own words, ballet is a demanding and arduous pursuit, requiring immense sacrifice and going against nature. Yet, for those who aspire to greatness, it is up to them to rise to the challenge. Johaar Mosaval’s legacy will forever be remembered in the world of ballet and as a trailblazer for dancers of color.
Johaar Mosaval is survived by his sisters, Moegmina Esmael and Gadija Davids. His passing leaves a void in the dance community, but his influence and impact will continue to inspire generations to come.
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