The eldest of four children, I was born in Cape Town and though christened Barbara-Louise, have been “Balu” for as long as I can remember!
I am inspired by the spirit of dance, and my desire is to touch people in motion, with an invitation to illuminate the beauty, the power, and creativity of the feminine way in all of its glory... I believe that the vibrant and eclectic nature of my country of birth played a major role in nurturing my innate interest in people, art, and, an abiding passion, dance. On completion of my studies at the University of Cape Town and at Rhodes University (Eastern Cape), I traveled to London where I attended the Laban School of Dance. On my return to South Africa after graduation, I co-founded a pioneering multi-cultural dance group called Abamanyani (Unity). This and subsequent productions were performed throughout South Africa, most notably at the Grahamstown Arts Festival and Johannesburg’s Market Theatre. In addition, I taught dance training at the New Africa Theatre Project for a number of years.
I have recently become an instructor of the NIA dance technique that, through its expression of creativity through movement, helps me to explore further my inherent belief that one can live life as art.
I remain actively involved in the paint and design side of the Balu business I started over 15 years ago, and I would like to express how grateful I am to have the support of some incredibly talented and dedicated designers. As a team, we have taken the Balu brand to great heights internationally – a happy state of affairs that we continually strive to maintain and even surpass by producing ever more innovative and exciting ideas.
I sincerely wish you as much joy in the wearing, as we had in the creation, of Balu designs.
Thank you.
Balu
