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Passmore taps her way to prestigious awards
Gemma Passmore, a 17-year-old pupil from the Steps School of Dance, in Northmead, recently walked away with two top awards at the annual AIDT (Association of International Dance Teachers) Bursary Awards, in Randburg.
This talented young dancer is a learner at Ashton International College and lives in Boatlake Village.
Passmore came first in the AIDT Gold Higher Tap Bursary.
She also came first in the Tap Solo Performer Competition, which is the last exam a tap dancer can do.
This is a gruelling exam that is done on stage and the dancer is required to show five styles of tap.
The winner wins a cash prize of R5 000.
Passmore was trained for this exam by Benoni dance teacher and examiner Avril Owen.
These two awards represent the culmination of 15 years of dance training, which started when Passmore was just two years old.
Over the years she has achieved success both locally and internationally, having competed at several local festivals and eisteddfods, as well as the World Tap Championships, in Riesa, Germany.
“I will be working towards my Modern Solo Performers next year,” said Passmore.
“Hopefully I will be able to achieve the same success as I have with tap this year.”
This year’s Modern Solo Performers Competition was won by fellow Benoni dancer Bradley Peter, who is also a past pupil of Steps School of Dance.
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