“In a way, my hair is like my own form of activism within my field.”
This is Texture Talk, our long-running column that deep dives into the dynamic world of curly hair, from crowns of curls that are free flowing to strands that are tucked away in a protective style.
Siphesihle November — Siphe for short (pronounced “See-pay”) — has quite the origin story.
He hails from Zolani, a South African farming township east of Cape Town, where his natural rhythm captivated a visiting Canadian family when he was a child. The serendipitous encounter led to an audition for Canada’s National Ballet School, and at the age of 12, the young talent was accepted into the prestigious academy on a full scholarship, leaving his mother and siblings behind.
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November joined The National Ballet of Canada upon graduation and in 2021, at age 22, was promoted to principal dancer, making him one of the youngest principal dancers and only the second Black one in the company’s 72-year history. Here, November talks to FASHION about his journey and how his signature locs are integral to who he is as an elite Black male ballet dancer.
Locs are his one constant
I’ve had my signature hair look — shaved sides with free-flowing locs on top — since around the 11th grade. My locs are an extension of my personality, and I like the idea that they’re that one trademark about me, especially since I’m always wearing different clothing looks.
My personal style, which I would describe as minimalist and simple, is also a huge part of my self-expression. I like to think of fashion as me expressing myself without having to say very much; I’m not very social — I don’t really talk a lot — but I like the idea that people can identify or see what I’m about through what I’m wearing. That’s how I like to approach my style.
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