Today, Kotze is a Stage Manager, Repetiteur and aerialist at The Royal Countess Zingara at Melrose Arch, where she works both behind and on stage to help create an unforgettable experience that transports audiences into another world.
But her journey into the world of performance began in a rather unexpected way — with headstands and rolly pollys.
“I started acrobatics at the age of four, after which my ballet teacher suggested my headstands and rolly pollys wouldn’t work for the ballet adjudicators,” Kotze recalls with a laugh.
That early moment ultimately led her towards the discipline that would shape her life. “I fell in love with acrobatics immediately.”
Dance soon became another important part of her development. Kotze explored a variety of styles, including modern, hip hop, freestyle and contemporary dance, building a versatile performance background that would later prove invaluable in the world of live entertainment.
Her natural talent and dedication quickly became evident. By the age of 11, she had already become a South African acrobatic champion — an achievement that marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
From a young girl mastering acrobatics to a professional performer working across multiple aspects of live production, Kotze has continued to evolve. Today, that journey has brought her to the elaborate and colourful world of Zingara.
Zingara: Where Every Detail Creates Another World
For Kotze, Zingara is about far more than simply putting on a show. It is about creating an atmosphere that audiences can feel from the moment they arrive. “I know you probably think I am only another production company in an overcrowded market,” she says.
However, stepping through the gates of The Royal Countess Zingara quickly challenges that perception.
“To explain to someone what to expect when they walk through the doors of The Royal Countess Zingara for the first time is not a short answer,” Kotze says. She could spend hours describing the experience because, she explains, the attention to detail is everywhere.
“When those big gates open, it feels like you are walking into another world. The colours, the flamboyance, the people, the feeling, the emotion and the uniqueness of it all come together.”
Creating that sense of wonder may appear effortless to an audience, but behind the scenes it requires extensive teamwork and collaboration.
For Kotze, the key to bringing different departments and disciplines together is simple: respect.
“We respect each other’s craft, and we communicate on a level that only people who are truly passionate about what they do can understand.”
Every member of the production brings a different skill and perspective, from performers and aerialists to the creative and technical teams. Yet they share a common understanding that the overall experience is bigger than any one performer or department.
That collaborative spirit is particularly important in a production that continues to evolve.
A Constantly Evolving Zingara Experience
Since opening in June, the production has undergone several changes, with new performers and acts continuing to bring fresh energy to the show.
According to Kotze, Johannesburg audiences have embraced those changes enthusiastically.
“We’ve had a lot of show changes since our opening night in June, and the audiences have responded beautifully to every change we’ve made.”
Among the newer additions is Tolly Parton, who Kotze says has brought plenty of laughter and energy to the audience.
The production has also welcomed performers from different countries, alongside talented South African artists. For Kotze, every new arrival adds another layer to the experience.
“Every new addition brings this amazing feeling of fresh air and renewed energy to the show.”
Finding the right performers and building a cast capable of delivering such a distinctive production is no simple task. It requires careful consideration, creative vision and an understanding of how individual talents can work together.
Fortunately, Kotze says she has had the privilege of working alongside one of the best creative teams of her career, making the process both rewarding and exciting.
For her, Zingara is ultimately about more than spectacle. It is about collaboration, creativity and creating an experience that stays with audiences long after they leave.
And perhaps that is what makes her own journey so fitting. From childhood headstands and rolly pollys to becoming an accomplished acrobat, dancer, aerialist and stage professional, Kotze has spent her life learning how to turn movement into magic.
Today, she is helping create that magic for audiences at The Royal Countess Zingara — both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.
Source: EWN
