9 Edenglen dancers off to Italy

Nine dancers from Ke Zone Dance Fitness and Wellness studio are set to represent SA when they compete in the international Sun Sea Dance Festival.

Set to be held in Italy, the event will see the dancers take to the stage and go up against dancers from across the world between July 5 and July 10.

Kerryn Stow, dancer and owner of the Edenglen Studio, said her dancers (four children and nine adults including herself) will be part of the Dance Masters Association SA (DMASA) team.

She said the dancers were selected after competing in DMASA’s annual arts and culture dance competition.

“After the dancers received their SA colours in arts and culture in 2018, they were invited to represent SA.”

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The dancers have entered solos, duos, small groups and a production in hip hop and contemporary.

“Our production has an African flair as we incorporate some pantsula and traditional African dance moves,” said Stow.

The junior dancers, who include Tumisho Mabelane (14), Angelina Sayers (9), Tamra Ahmed (8) and Kate Taylor (9), are all excited at the opportunity to represent SA.

The three girls, Angelina, Tamra and Kate, have danced for several years. They said despite being extremely excited, they are a bit nervous to dance in front of other people.

“I think it will be fun and exciting new experience,” said Sayers.

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“Dancing is fun for me and when I dance it feels like my heart is dancing too.”

Ahmed said as a dancer she hopes to improve as she gets older and perfect as many moves as possible.

“Although it feels like I have butterflies in my stomach before I dance in front of people, the moment I start dancing the feeling goes away,” explained Ahmed.

Like her two friends, Taylor said she too is looking forward to the festival.

“I enjoy going to festivals and concerts to watch other people, learn new moves and try to use them myself,” she said.

Stow said her dancers are talented in their own way and hard working.

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“They will all do very well and I’m so proud they get to represent Ke Zone D and South Africa on an international stage.”

“All their hard work and many hours of practice will pay off; we are a great team and an amazing dance family.”

Stow said it was a privilege to take her dancers to represent SA and show the world what talent SA has.

While in overseas, Stow said the SA dancers will meet a variety of new people and to have the opportunity to make new friends.

She said the opportunities the festival provide was what makes it so special.

“If we get placings and awards, it’s a bonus on top of the incredible experiences and knowledge and techniques we will learn as a team.”

Pixzar