Bishop Bavin’s Tatijana dances to number one
This gave her entry to compete at the IDO World Championships for 2018 without having to qualify.
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Bishop Bavin School learner Tatijana Ignjatov has been crowned the 2018 World Champion for Modern Solo and Duo at the International Dance Organisation (IDO) World Championships held in Ossa, Poland, from November 30 to December 9.
Hope Maimane, Tatijana’s trainer and choreographer, said she won in the age group 12 to 15.
She said Tatijana previously won the modern, jazz and showdance IDO Worlds in the children section in 2017.
“Tatijana received her golden ticket to compete in the IDO World Championships for 2018 without having to qualify.
“Each year only the top three of each country is allowed to compete at this prestigious event. South Africa had four dancers to represent the country,” said Maimane.
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Maimane said Tatijana competed in jazz solo, modern solo and modern duo against 28 nations and 2 800 dancers, with the modern solo section consisting of 58 girls from all over the world.
She said that Tatijana had to dance through five rounds to get to the finals along with America, Slovenia, Serbia and Poland.
“Modern duo consisted of 33 duets and Tatijana and her duet partner, Danielle Allan, won the section.
“The jazz solo consisted of 53 dancers where Tatijana made it to the semi-finals, placing sixth,” said Maimane.
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Maimane said that the junior section was a strong section with many well-known dancers from across the world competing for prestigious titles.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Ekurhuleni municipality and the executive mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Mzwandile Masina, for my sponsorship to the IDO World Championships for modern and jazz.
“I am truly grateful and humbled by their support,” said Tatijana.
Tatijana was also awarded South African Protea colours for dancing this year before departing to the IDO World Championships.