The Boy Who Loved to Dance by Diana Ferrus

The Boy Who Loved to Dance by Diana Ferrus

From Solid Gold Story Time by Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard

August 4, 2025 · 13 min

About this episode

Diana Ferrus reads her children's storybook about Johaar Mosaval, a dancer who overcame cultural barriers in Apartheid South Africa.

Author, poet and storyteller, Diana Ferrus, reads her children's storybook. Acclaimed author, poet and storyteller, Diana Ferrus, reads her fascinating children’s book, The Boy Who Loved to Dance. Johaar Mosaval wasn’t just a dancer. Growing up in District 6 during Apartheid, he faced both racial barriers and cultural expectations that Muslim boys shouldn’t dance. Against all odds, his passion for ballet led him from the streets of Cape Town to the grand stages of the world. He was a trailblazer, performing globally, even for royalty. After 25 years abroad, Johaar returned to Cape Town to pass on his love of ballet to children at home. The illustrated storybook is available at all good book stores now. Listen to the English version here. · Want to share something with us? · Our podcasts are also available on Spotify · Our podcasts are also available on Apple · Join the Solid Gold Story Time mailing list

People in this episode

Guest: Diana Ferrus

Topics covered

  • children's literature
  • dance
  • cultural barriers
  • storytelling
  • ballet
  • South African history

Keywords

  • Diana Ferrus
  • The Boy Who Loved to Dance
  • dance
  • ballet
  • children's story
  • Apartheid
  • Johaar Mosaval
  • storytelling

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Boy Who Loved to Dance

Places: District 6, Cape Town, Apartheid

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