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Stepping In Situ

Stepping in Situ is Matthys’ improvisational and choreographic storytelling practice that explores connections and disconnections to ancestral wisdom, intuition, and identity, particularly through the pelvis and rhythmic feet. Rooted in her cultural heritage as a descendant of the indigenous Khoi and San peoples of Southern Africa, the practice is in direct conversation with the Nama Stap Dance, a rite of passage ritual integral to parts of her lineage. In this practice, participants will engage in a series of improvisational scores that cultivate awareness of their relationships to ancestry and ancestral memory, considering how these shape their current existence and artistic practices.


Currently in her research, the practice as well as object improvisation, serves as a container to research themes from Matthys’ latest choreographic work Aandag! (Attention), which reflects on what it means to be called to attention, whether by one’s lineage or by urgent socio-political realities, including the ongoing crisis of femicide in South Africa and beyond.


Group of people in motion blur, engaging in conversation or interaction in a dark setting.

 Stepping in Situ is available as short (1.5–2 hour) adaptable workshops, full-day intensives, and research lectures/presentations with quotes available upon enquiry.

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Stepping in Situ project/workshop history includes:

  • Horizontal Practices- London Performance Studios (2023)

  • Independent Dance Morning Class (2023+2024)

  • Seeding Space- London Performances Studios (2023)

  • Guest Lecturing at London Contemporary Dance School- Enrichment Week (2023)

  • Guest Lecturing at London Contemporary Dance School- Research Module (2024)

  • The Playground- Rambert (2024)

  • Stap (St-AH-p) Solo- Resolution Festival at The Place (2024)

  •  Independent Dance Monday Night Improvisation (2025 + 2026)

  • Presentation & Publishing of Stepping in Situ Research Paper- JOMBA Masihambisane (2024)

  • Stepping in Situ Presentation- Trinity Laban Graduate Symposium (2024)

  • Stepping in Situ Workshop- Case de Cultura SoMovimento- Brazil (2024)

  • Aandag! (Attention.) Ensemble choreographic work - Resolution Festival at The Place (2025)

  • Community Commission Artist at London Contemporary Dance School (2024 + 2025)

  • Deli Meets Residency- Theatre Deli (2025)

  • Playing fields- Trinity Laban (2025)

Close-up of bare feet on reddish soil at night, illuminated by a red light.

Read More About “Stepping In Situ” here

A close-up view of a person's legs and feet, illuminated by red light, standing on a rough, reddish ground surface at night.
Two women holding blue poles, the woman in the foreground has curly blonde hair and is resting her head on the pole, with eyes closed and a relaxed expression. The woman in the background has straight brown hair, closed eyes, and is leaning on the pole.
Five dancers perform on a dark stage, with one standing and raising an arm, and the others kneeling or crouching, wearing tribal or cultural costumes.
Four dancers perform on a dark stage, with the central dancer standing and raising one arm, while three others are kneeling, holding a blue staff across her hips.
Person in colorful costume performing dance on dark stage with minimal lighting.