Thirty-two dancers, including dancers from Edenvale, will set off for the USA to represent South Africa at the Hip Hop Dance Championships in early August.The event, which will take place in Arizona, will see 4 000 dancers from 50 different nations bringing their best moves to the competition.
Over 6 000 spectators will attend the event.
Mr Brandon Grobler, a dance instructor, said the 32-member team is made up of dancers from two dance studios and a street crew, namely Annette Mnyande Dance Studio, Big Bounce Dance Studio in Edenvale and Freeze Frame.
Annette said the dancers come from a variety of areas which include the Edenvale and Pretoria areas.
Duane Joaquim, of Big Bounce Dance Studio, said the Freeze Frame team qualified for the championships at the 2017 SA National Hip Hop Dance Championship.
“Many of the dancers are anxious and exhilarated at the same time. For most it is overwhelming because of the magnitude of the competition,” said Brandon.
Duane said the dancers all need to have high fitness levels.
Brandon added that in order for the dancers to perform to the best of their ability, they need to be both physically and mentally prepared.
The dancers practice their moves at the Big Bounce Dance Studio almost every weekend.
Duane said the dancers have put in countless hours of effort.
The age of the dancers competing in the team are from nine years old and older.
“We are a skillful, confident, ambitious and diverse group of dancers from different backgrounds, genders and race, brought together to share the passion and understanding of the art of Hip-Hop Dance,” said Brandon.
Duane said once the dancers have competed in the international competition, the team members will be awarded their Protea colours.
Although the team is excited for their journey to the USA, there is the obstacle of a lack of finances.
Duane said it will cost R48 504 per dancer, bringing the total amount needed for the 32 dancers to R155 2128.
“We are appealing to local businesses for assistance,” said Duane.
He added that the the group of dancers are not afraid to work and already have a few fundraising events planned.
