Melanie Kisten: from aspiring paediatrician to actress and dance academy founder

'NORMAL IS BORING’

- CANDICE SOOBRAMONEY

AT 45,Melanie Kisten stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment in the South African arts and entertainment scene.

Born and raised in Chatsworth, Kisten has transformed her early dreams of becoming a paediatrician into a career that encapsulates dance, acting, and entrepreneurship.

Kisten, who now lives in Cape Town, and is an account manager at a freight forwarding company, said her path had its ups and downs, but she stood tall and took charge of her career.

“I was born and raised in the vibrant community of Chatsworth. I have many fond memories of the township — one of the fondest and flashiest, was rocking up at school in my dad Sagy’s army truck or nyala.

“He was in the army and police force, so he occasionally rolled up in one of those big, tough, military-style beasts. The moment that truck pulled at the school gates, it was like a celebrity had arrived. Kids literally surrounded it like I was an action movie star. For a brief, glorious moment every morning, I was the most popular girl in school, and all thanks to my dad's fancy ride.”

Kisten has three younger sisters: Melissa, Michelle and Marsha. Her mom, Devi, is a retired accountant.

“The Kisten family is loud, loving and full of rhythm. My sisters and I are all dancers and actors thanks to me roping them into the beautiful madness that is MKDA — the Melanie Kisten Dance Academy. I think dancing is in our blood. Our parents were quite the dancers back in their day. Although they are now happily retired, their love for the arts have clearly passed down to us.”

Kisten said while growing up she did not have ambitions of becoming an actress or a dancer.