Glenvista resident dancer Demi-Lee de Klerk (10) has been selected to represent South Africa at the IDO Disco Dance World Championships in Chomutov in the Czech Republic during June for both disco solo and disco duo categories.
Having danced since the age of three, this achievement is huge for Demi-Lee as it means she will be representing her country in a style of dance she loves.
Her dancing was enhanced under her mentors, her uncle Craig Riviere and her mother Chantal Riviere de Klerk who are the owners of Dance Illusions Bedfordview.
As trainers, they saw her potential to become one of the best dancers in her category and age group. She is also willing to train and persevere to the standards required for this event.
To qualify for the world championships, you need to be placed in the top six of your age group at a national level.
Demi-Lee was in the top four for disco solo at the Gauteng and South African Championships. She was also in the top three for disco duos with her partner at these events as well as winning many qualifying events in 2022.
Proud family and mentors
Demi-Lee’s mentor and mother Chantal said the young star started competing in February 2020.
“This came to a halt due to Covid-19 but she was able to participate in online competitions during this time. Once events were re-opened, she was able to take competitive dancing more seriously.
“Her first major accomplishment came at the end of 2021 when she won the eight-to-12-year-old disco solo section at the South African Championships hosted in Bloemfontein. This was not a section where she could qualify to compete overseas.”
In 2022, she joined the World Trial Circuit (WTC) sections. These sections are for championship-status dancers attempting to qualify to compete in the relevant divisions and age groups at the World Disco Dance Championships.
Very stringent criteria need to be met to qualify for this event.
Demi-Lee met all the required criteria in 2022 and qualified for both her disco solo and her disco duo section with her partner Victoria-Anne Robinson-Monteiro in the eight-to-12-age group.
“This competition features top dancers from around the world who have been selected by their countries to compete. She has been competing since the age of seven and within two years she became a championship competitor being invited to compete at an international level.
“This is a significant accomplishment,” said Chantal.
Hardworking Demi-Lee
Chantal said Demi-Lee is committed to training at this high level.
“She trains five days a week unless it is a competition weekend. She enters quite many competitions during the year all over the country. This will be her first opportunity to represent South Africa at an international event. We are hoping she makes it as far as she possibly can.”
The event will attract over 1 000 competitors and her category will see over 100 dancers competing.
In January this year, Demi-Lee obtained both provincial and national South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA) colours for disco dance.
“This is an amazing achievement and we are so thrilled and proud of her,” her trainers said.
Demi-Lee said she tried different activities and sports at school, but nothing beats dancing.
“I come from a dancing family, as my mother, uncle, aunt and grandmother were dancers and dance teachers. I was given the choice of what I could participate in but I always enjoyed dancing the most. I do many forms of dance like freestyle, slow dance, Latin American, contemporary and hip hop, but disco is by far my favourite.
“I like it because it is fast and has lots of rhythms, energy and good music. Even in my spare time, I dance, practise and experiment with new styles. Dancing is in my blood, and having come from a supportive dance school and family is one of the things that keeps me going,” said Demi-Lee.
“My Dad, Leon de Klerk, is my number one fan,” she highlighted.
When asked who inspires her, she said her uncle Craig, the co-owner of the dance studio.
“Aspiring dancers who want to dance at a high level must work hard and be committed because it does not come easy. They should also remember to thank their parents for their support because dance requires parental commitment,” she emphasised.
Fun facts
Demi-Lee is the oldest of two children in her family. Tyler is her younger brother.
She aspires to have her own bakery and beauty salon one day. She enjoys art and attends a tutoring centre called One Step Ahead, where she is in Grade Five.
Mercedes is her favourite car brand, like her grandfather’s.
Demi-Lee’s trainer and mentor, Craig Riviere, said she is the most inspired, hardworking, dedicated, and passionate juvenile dancer he has trained in years.
Back-a-Buddy campaign
A Back-a-Buddy campaign has been started for anyone that can sponsor her trip to the Czech Republic.
To donate, follow the Back-a-Buddy campaign HERE.
The family will also organise fundraising events like golf days, fun days, and Spur evenings to raise enough funds.
Should you be interested in attending or assisting with sponsorships, prizes or advertising for these events contact Chantal on 082 801 4108.
