A strong contingent of 39 dancers of two dancing studios in Welkom participated in the Dance Talent and Model Association (DTMA) national competition from 12 to 15 September, at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng.
More than a 1 000 dancers from all over South Africa entered the event that took place in the Marcellus Theatre.
The Dance Alive Studio sent 21 dancers to compete, and they all received national colours in various styles of dancing, including Classical Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre.
Two of the dancers, Chrisanthi Kamenos and Megan van der Westhuizen, were chosen for the elite South African dance team.
Lerato Matlala placed first in Ballet, Naledi Tsotetsi first in Musical Theater, and Chrisanthi Kamenos second in Contemporary and third in the Musical Theatre category. Megan van der Westhuizen came second in Ballet and third in Contemporary. She and Chrisanthi Kamenos were also included in the top 50 dancers ranking, and were chosen for the elite dance team.
The studio’s Sand Modern group received a special award for Overall Impression and the trophy for Best Overall Junior Group.
The dancers who received their national colours are Taylor Hitge, Amèlie Darker, Johane Grobbelaar, Monia Matthysen, Runeez Fortein, Naledi Tsotetsi, Elandri Claassen, Ava Darker, Zianique van Eck, Orearabile Rooi, Janelle Brooks, Dineo Selepe, Lerato Matlala, Lindie Niehoff, Angela Lepoqo, Marniese van Wyk, Megan van der Westhuizen, Kayleigh-Ann van der Linde and Hadassah Grace Bolaji.
The Sand Group members are Taylor Hitge, Amèlie Darker, Zianique van Eck, Elandri Claassen, Runeez Fortein, Janelle Brooks, Orearabile Rooi, Marniese van Wyk, Kayleigh-Ann van der Linde, Dineo Selepe, Angela Lepoqo and Hadassah Grace Bolaji.
The dancers are trained by Amanda Matthysen at the Goudveld-Hoërskool.
Eighteen dancers of the Turning Pointe Dance Academy in Welkom participated, and all scored in the upper 80% in the different dance routines.
Eleven of the dancers placed among the first, second and third positions, and earned trophies for their exceptional dancing.
Kasia Fourie came first in Jazz and received a trophy. She was also the Overall Senior Musical Theatre trophy winner. Kasia received a full scholarship from the Jozi Youth Dance Company (JYDC) after she was noticed by a scout at the competition. She will join the JYDC in January 2025 and will receive classes from some of the best teachers and choreographers in South Africa.
The other top achievers include Keaton Neuhoff, who placed first in Musical Theatre and was the Overall Junior Musical Theatre trophy winner.
Ruvé Janse van Rensburg attained a first place ranking for Musical Theatre and was also the Overall Petit Musical Theatre trophy winner.
Khloé Marshall placed first and won a trophy for Musical Theatre. Tracy Bouwer came first in Jazz and also received a trophy.
Scarlett Vorster came second in Musical Theatre and first in Modern, and was the Overall Petit Modern trophy winner.
Lemeh Stroebel came second in Musical Theatre, and Kristie Smuts third in the Open category.
Carli Schoeman placed second for Jazz Group and Musical Theatre.
Corlia du Toit ranked third Jazz, with Dané Rossouw third for Jazz and second for Musical Theatre.
