Joanna Holewa Chrona is a Swedish dancer, choreographer, project leader and Dj located in Sweden and South Africa. Her dance practice is based on several movement traditions: popping from the United States, isiPantsula from from South Africa, Sabar from Senegal and Afro-Cuban. During the last twelve years Joanna has participated as a dancer in many productions nationally and internationally. Since 2020, the focus has been on her own produced stage performances and festivals, exchanges and workshops.

Joanna’s aspirations and inspiration stem from the freedom, honesty, and purity of improvisation as well as from the transformative and healing power of dance, music, nature, and human connection.

Joanna Holewa Chrona started her collaboration with South African artists in 2015, with the Pantsula dance company Real Actions. Her engagement has only increased since then, through her dance company and non-profit organization, AFIA, which celebrates African cultures and connecting people, and whose board consists of board members from both Sweden and South Africa. Afia hosts an annual festival called ‘AFIA FESTIVAL’ showcasing South African culture since 2016.

Many of Joanna’s works have South African-inspired music, lyrics, and movements. Joanna’s interest lies in respectfully combining cultures and perspectives, always with the cooperation of all participating artists. One of AFIAS recent and still touring pieces is YEBO YES! With a Swedish/South African cast and creative team. Joanna has also formed a duo with Yared Tilahun Cederlund called LAND BEFORE TIME.

As of 2024/2025 Joanna is for the first time embarking a journey as a solo-choreographer and solo-dancer on stage with the piece “Phakathi Inside”.