Daniel Dercksen shares a few
thoughts with Henk Opperman,
a dynamic dancer who infuses a
robust energy and raw sensuality
into the art of dancing.
W
hen Henk Opperman enters a room, everyone
knows about it and the spotlight turns on him.
When he performs on stage, the lights illuminate
his talent for communicating story through
movement, and it’s an experience you will always remember.
For the last five years he has been the Principal Dancer of Sean
Bovim’s vibrant dance company and wowed audiences last year
in the roles of ‘Freddie Mercury’ in Queen at the Ballet as well as
‘Elvis Presley’ in Private Presley.
“Henk is a mesmerizing, multi-talented and gifted dancer who
dominates South African stages with his uniquely powerful
presence and performances,’’ says Bovim, who cast Opperman
as Tybalt in his debut performance for Bovim Ballet in
Romeo’s Kiss.
Henk started dancing at the age of six, training at the Elize
Cogle Bloem Dance Connection. When he was seventeen, he
represented South Africa at the Freestyle World Championships
in Blackpool (UK), and in 2008, won Kyknet’s National
Television program Dans!Dans!Dans! Henk went on to train at
the Cape Academy of Performing Arts, and during this period
was accepted into the Cape Dance Company where he has
performed both Nationally and Internationally.
When you talk to Henk, his sincere and boyish charm is alluring.
He listens and responds with passion, yet keeping ardent fans at
a safe distance.
Mag 24
Henk Opperman in Sean Bovim’s “Private Presley”
You have many admirers but seem to shy away from
attention? Why?
Growing up with the incredible parental support that I had, I
was always told and taught how important it is to be humble.
When I was thrown into, probably one of the most gruelling
industries one can be in at a young age, it became very clean
to me why staying humble and being grateful was such an
important moral fibre that was instilled in me from a young
age. I’ve witnessed how admiration and ‘being the spotlight’ can
make people strangers to those around them. How quickly it
can change beautiful souls to bitter, sour, mean and ungrateful
personalities. It’s not so much that I shy away from admiration
and attention but more an attempt to always stay true to myself
and show humility and thankfulness. I guess sometimes it
may seem like I don’t appreciate and adore the attention and
admiration after a gruelling and fulfilling performance. *I’ll
admit shyly*
D