Dancesport in the Northern Cape
It was a something of a pleasant surprise to see that two dancesport schools represented the Northern Cape at the Western Cape World Trials held in Oudtshoorn.
What happens when you see two very young and eager schools perform there? You go out and meet the wonder women who form the backbone of the development of the sport in their respective areas.
FEDANSA’S mission is to expand the sport in the country, particularly in the rural areas, areas most hit by unemployment and its resulting socio-economic problems, and to reach and make possible the idea that every child can be a champion. How well I remember two eager and very fresh new schools from Beaufort West making their bow a few years ago, bringing with them a little group of dancers – all beginners – and today, fostered and encouraged, are producing national champions.
Prieska Dance School and the Van Rensburg School in Britstown are young schools. Prieska Dance School is headed by Rochelle Ford and ably assisted by Levona Pieterse. The two of them brought a group of their dancers at great expense and trial to the competition for their first ever exposure to dancesport competitions. It was something to see their expressions of wonderment and excitement, of meeting championship dancers of all age groups. Of the hundreds of impressions these young dancers and prospective champions gained, the most important must surely have been that there are hundreds of others like them who love the sport, the desire to “dance just like them” one day and the notion that a new world hitherto closed to them, has opened. They have tasted travel. Some of these kids have never seen the ocean and a trip to George has given them that opportunity of dipping their newly formed twinkle toes in the ocean!
This brings me back to the mission of this organisation and the absolute hard work that goes hand in hand with development. I believe that there are no miracle roads on which to put these young athletes to success. Quote here from Bruce Almighty [the film]: “If you want to see a miracle, be the miracle.” It takes guts, determination, vision, an unflappable enthusiasm and unshakeable belief in their charges to take children with all the possible odds stacked against them and giving them something – a lifeline – on which to build their dreams.
The Van Rensburg Dance School forms part of the activities of the like-named primary school in Britstown and is headed by school teacher Nosphosethu Tshaliti. Their proximity to the dancesport arena of the Free State makes it possible for these youngsters to actually compete in Free State competitions.
Nosposethu, Rochelle and Levona are the miracle workers who give more than what they take. In fact, they have taken nothing and nothing gives them the greatest pleasure in seeing their vision realised.
On their behalf I appeal to anyone, any Cape Town school, any dancer for their used shoes, leotards, shirts, too short trousers, anything that young dancers can use to promote and enjoy their sport.
*
vanhunks
July 2007