Xibelani dance

The name of the dance comes from the native Xitsonga language and it can translate to "hitting to the rhythm", for example, the concept "xi Bela ni vunanga".

[2] The dance style, in essence, requires the dancer to shake the hips in tune with the rhythm but the whole body should be used to guide the movements.

It is customary for Tsonga girls to learn the xibelani dance, and it is a way for them to express pride in their cultural heritage.

Traditionally women dance the xibelani, while men perform the makhwaya, Xincayinciy(xigubu) and on rare occasions participate in the mchongolo.

The xibelani and tshetsha dances have experienced regained popularity in modern Giyani as the people have embraced their traditional ways.

Vatsonga women doing the xibelani dance