Twenty-four dancers from Edenglen based KeZone Dance Studio are set to take to the stage in Miami, Florida, after qualifying for the American Dance Awards (ADA) last year.
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The dancers qualified for the July event when they competed in Pretoria last October.
Dancers who qualified include Aditi Lalla, Jordan Schoultz, Elle-Day Smit, Laila Pillay, Dakota Dos Santos, Angelina Sayers, Tamra Ahmed, Caleigh Zerff, Melina Leoni, Kaylee Wainstein, Matthew Fitt, Jessica Van Zyl, Samantha Nel, Trimica Appel, Talya Swift, Nikhita Lalla, Kerryn Stow, Lara Otto, Melissa Jansen Van Vuuren, Megan Ahmed, Carina Van Der Merwe, Amy Beukes, Mandy Ahmed, and Dani Mcintrye.
“As the coach, choreographer and member of the adult team, I am beyond proud of every single athlete from KeZone and their achievements,” said Kerryn Stow, owner of the dance studio.
Stow said to qualify each dancer needed to attain a certain percentage for their routine.
“Each of her dancers who qualified was awarded silver or higher.”
Mathew Fitt received a high gold (95%) for his hip hop solo in the 15 years and older category.
Fitt also received a special award, America’s Teen Male Dancer of The Year 2021 South Africa Solo Winner, for his solo performance.
Angelina Sayers receive a gold (91%) for her hip hop solo in the 10 years and older category and received two special awards – high score pre-comp and solo third place overall.
Sayers and Tamra Ahmed received a gold (93%) for their hip hop duo in the nine years and older category and also received a special award for their duo in high score pre-comp and duo third place overall.
Tayla Swift received a high gold (90%) for her contemporary solo in the 14 years and older category and also received a special award for student choreography.
Stow said as a coach she spends a lot of time with each dancer watching them grow and excel in their talent.
“I try my best to guide them along the way with the correct techniques and remind them that they are incredibly talented,” said Stow.
“To see the dancers grow weekly, monthly and yearly, and then compete as well as qualify for various national and international competitions is the best feeling any coach or instructor could wish for.”
Stow said as a coach she cherishes each dancer’s love and dedication to dance and movement.
“SA is blessed with incredibly talented and hardworking dancers. To have them qualify and be selected to represent our beautiful country on an international platform is amazing. We all deserve to be on those international stages and competition floors.”
Elle-Day Smit said she and her fellow dancers are very excited about the upcoming competition.
“When we competed in Pretoria, we all knew it was a massive competition,” said Tamra Ahmed
“I think when we got off stage, we realised most of us were nervous for nothing and that we were ready for the qualifiers.”
Ahmed said the dancers are looking forward to going to America as it will be an opportunity to represent SA.
Fitt said although he and some of the other dancers have been overseas before each time is a different challenge.
“I prepared a lot for the qualifier and I think that is what made the experience more enjoyable,” said Fitt.
Swift said that it was a great feeling knowing that she and fellow dancers were good enough to represent SA at the ADA’s.
Jansen van Vuuren said the adult team ranges in age from 27 to 43. He is also excited for July.
Stow said she hopes each dancer is proud of their achievements.
“When they go overseas to compete, I always hope they go with an open mind so they can learn and grow from the international exposure and become even more talented and knowledgeable performers and dance athletes,” said Stow.
“There is always something new and exciting to learn and work on in the dance world.”
She highlighted that participating in events like ADA will help the dancers become the best dancers according to their abilities.
Stow emphasised that it is not always about winning but about the experience and the growth of the athletes
She thanked the organisers of the qualifying event for the opportunity given to the dancers.
“The competition was extremely well run and the dancers had a wonderful time. We look forward to future ADA competitions and cannot wait to compete overseas and meet all the other qualifying dancers and coaches from around the world.”
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