Sharnie dances in world championships in UK
Local dancer, Sharnie Oosthuizen represented the country in dancing championships in the United Kingdom and has learnt important lessons from other best dancers.
An Alberton North 10-year-old, Sharnie Oosthuizen, qualified to represent the country in the Freestyle World Championships in the United Kingdom.
It was her first-ever international competition, and in her words, “I gave it my all and did everything to the best of my ability to represent the country well.”
She started dancing at three and danced in her first competition at four.
She says dancing helps her achieve self-actualisation, spiritual fulfilment, and a state of balance between the mind and the body while also making her feel at ease, content, and complete.
“There is absolute power you believe in yourself. I am the measure of my worth and the reason I believe so much in myself. I know I am worthy and I can do anything before me,” said Sharnie.
First international competition experience
Sharnie, and her mom, Drienie Oosthuizen, flew to the UK a week before her competition to settle in before she could take on the world’s best.
Although she did not make it to the competition’s final rounds, Sharnie said it was a good experience dancing against the world’s best dancers.
“It makes me proud to see what skills level other countries are dancing on because the competition was hard. The overall experience was amazing, and I am training harder to show my competitors that South Africa is a country of talent,” Sharnie expressed.
She indicated she was proud of her two coaches, Caitlin and Sasha Herbst, who made her who she was today.
Sharnie’s wow moments
The young dancer gained 213 honours awards, 170 medals and 43 trophies through her six years of competing experience.
She won her first recognition award in her first-ever competition when she was four years old in 2017.
“This was a building block and self-validation ticket that I was talented and born to be a dancer. It only made me realise I was doing what was right for me and whetted my desire for more,” Sharnie said.
Supportive and proud parents
Her parents, Drienie and Barend Oosthuizen, said it honoured them to play a part in their little girl’s life.
Drienie said nothing makes her feel more alive than seeing her children extremely happy in what they do.
“I believe we do not measure life by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
“I know how much dancing means to Sharnie, and all I have to do as a parent is to be supportive and be proud of her,” Drienie said.
More than just a dancer
The young star told the Alberton Record that as much as she aims at being a great dancer, she also understands that she must perform well academically to be admitted to tertiary institutions to further her teaching career.
Sharnie dreams of being a teacher, focusing on dancing.
“School helps one broaden your knowledge while also gaining new skills and getting experience. Even if you are already confident, this can boost your abilities,” Sharnie explained.
Before participating in the international competition, Sharnie attended hockey trials, hoping to represent the country in hockey competitions.
