Dada Masilo (21 February 1985 – 29 December 2024) was a South African dancer and choreographer, known for her unique and innovative interpretations of classical ballets. 

Trained in classical ballet and contemporary dance, Masilo fused these techniques with African dance steps to create her high-speed style. She was born and raised in the Johannesburg township of Soweto. Although she was interested more in the personal challenge of choreography than political statements, her pieces often addressed taboos such as homosexuality and race relations.

Career

Masilo studied at Braamfontein's National School for the Arts, 2002. Dada Masilo caught the eyes of Suzette Le Sueur, back then the Director of Dance factory school, and invited her to train professionally. Since then, Sueur became Masilo's mentor.

• Dancing with Dada, in collaboration with William Kentridge
• Swasey Chapel at Denison University, 3 February 2012
• The Bitter End of Rosemary, Düsseldorf, Germany
• Jazzart Dance Theatre, Cape Town, 2003
• London School of Contemporary Dance, 2004
• One of Masilo's notable scene partners is South African contemporary dancer Kyle Heinz Rossouw
• Infecting the City 2012, Cape Town

Notable works

• Swan Lake
• Romeo and Juliet
• Carmen
• Death and the Maiden
• Giselle

• The Bitter End of Rosemary, based on Ophelia
• Dancing with Dada
• The Sacrifice based on Pina Bausch's Rite of Spring