- Nadia Virasamy’s Milestone at MID: Virasamy celebrates 20 years of leadership at Moving Into Dance (MID), a prominent contemporary dance organization in South Africa, marked by her significant contributions to dance education and community upliftment.
- Virasamy’s Leadership and Achievements: Since becoming CEO in 2014, Virasamy has driven growth, secured accreditation with SETA and SAQA, and launched initiatives like the Performing Arts Learnership, shaping the future of dance education.
- Broader Contributions and Recognitions: Beyond MID, she has served on various boards, contributed to academic textbooks, and earned awards such as the Standard Bank Rising Star finalist and participation in the American Express Leadership Academy.
This year marks a momentous milestone for South African arts leader Nadia Virasamy, who celebrates 20 years of dedicated service at Moving Into Dance (MID), one of the country’s most influential contemporary dance organisations. Since joining in 2005, Virasamy has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of dance education and uplifting countless young people through the arts.
Founded in 1978 by the legendary Sylvia “Magogo” Glasser, MID has long served as a beacon of transformation through dance. Its mission to transcend division and foster community through creative expression has been powerfully carried forward by Virasamy’s leadership.
Virasamy began her career at MID as Director of Education after lecturing in Sociology and Industrial Management at UKZN and the University of Venda. In 2014, she took the helm as CEO/Director of Education and has since led the organisation through periods of growth and difficulty alike—anchoring every step in the vision: We Lead. We Learn. We Include. We Return.
She has been instrumental in launching the Performing Arts Learnership, securing MID’s accreditation with SETA and SAQA, and sharing her expertise as a lecturer in Performing Arts Marketing at Wits. Her scholarly contributions include co-authoring three Arts and Culture textbooks for Cambridge University Press.
Her service extends beyond MID. She has served on boards including the Newtown Improvement District and Poetso Music Project, an NGO using music to rehabilitate prisoners. A celebrated changemaker, she was a top finalist in the Standard Bank Rising Star Awards and Business Women’s Association Regional Awards, and was recently selected for the 2025 American Express Leadership Academy in London.
Artistic Director of MID, Sunnyboy Mandla Motau, praised Virasamy’s enduring impact:
“Nadia has been a tireless force in advancing the boundaries of the dance sector. Her unwavering commitment to transformative dance education continues to nurture a spirit of change—empowering emerging leaders through the power of movement, rising from townships and grassroots communities to centre stages and international platforms.”
Chair of MID’s Board, Hilton Lawler, added:
“When thinking of Nadia, the attribute of resilience immediately comes to mind. It’s been an epic journey managing MID these last 20 years… Her passion for the arts makes her a great leader, creator and mentor.”
Reflecting on her journey, Virasamy said:
“Community is core to our identities as human beings and Africans. And so we go back, give back, by sharing the gifts of this experience and learning with others. The value of this organisation in aiding social justice can never be understated.”
As MID continues its mission of nurturing artists and enabling purpose through dance, Nadia Virasamy’s 20-year contribution stands as a shining example of how creativity and commitment can change lives.
Follow MID on social media:
📍 Facebook: Moving Into Dance
📍 Instagram: @midancem
