Seven dancers from Edenglen-based keZone Dance Studio were presented their Gauteng colours.
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Matthew Fitt and Nikhita Lalla, Kerryn Stow, Megan Ahmed, Mandy Ahmed, Dani Mcintrye and Amy Beukes received their colours after competing in events hosted by SA Body of Dance throughout 2021.
Fitt and Lalla from the studio’s adult’s one world trial circuit hip-hop duo dance section competed in the 17-to 30-year-old category while the remaining dancers, from the studio’s adults two world trial circuit hip-hop small group dance section, competed in the 31 years and older category.
Kerryn Stow, the owner of the dance studio, said dancers competed in three qualifying competitions throughout 2021.
The dancers are some of the first in the country to receive their Gauteng colours.
“This was the first time that any dancer was awarded these qualifications in SA and I am so proud of their achievements.
“This is so big for dance as up to now it has not been recognised as a sport. Dance has always fallen under arts and culture, but we are athletes and it’s amazing to be recognised as one.”
Stow explained that previously, the studio received regional and SA colours under the Department of Arts and Culture.
“We will work even harder to achieve full SA colours, which will be the highest achievement any dancer can dream of. I do not doubt that we can all do it this year or in the years to come.”
Looking to the year ahead, Stow hopes to help as many dancers achieve both their Gauteng regional colours and their full South African colours in dance recognised as a sport.
“I want all my dancers to be acknowledged as the incredible athletes that they are and that is what all instructors and coaches want for their athletes,” said Stow.
Fitt, one of the youngest from the studio to receive his colours, said it was an accomplishment to receive his colours.
“Covid-19 made things harder. It was the first year competitions were held online,” said Fitt.
“Although the aim was to get our protea colours, Covid-19 travel and competition restrictions made things harder.”
Fitt hopes to excel at his dancing and become an even better dancer.
Stow congratulated all her dancers from KeZone who didn’t get enough points to win their colours.
She encouraged them to try again this year.
“You are all extremely talented and can join us on that podium this year and in all the years to come,” said Stow.
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